The Kogi State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo, has assured members of a level playing field in the forthcoming primary election, stressing that no one will impose a candidate on the people.
Hon. Gambo made the disclosure in response to what he described as unnecessary attacks against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Udaughan.
He stated that as the leader of the PDP in the state, her efforts in repositioning the party for victory in the 2027 elections remain commendable.
He described Senator Natasha as a leader committed to making the PDP an envy of other parties, pointing out that her funding and other forms of support for the party have been consistent and impactful.
“Unlike in other states where the Governors are leaders of the party, the same role Sen. Natasha is playing is geared towards realizing the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
“The leader of the PDP in the state is Sen. Natasha. Her presence at many activities of the party in the state underscores her resolve to make PDP shine brighter in the 2027 election. Thus far, all Sen. Natasha has been doing, including attending functions like the declaration of HK, is to mobilize members. Her action should therefore not be misconstrued as imposition,” he said.
Hon. Gambo emphasized that Sen. Natasha Akpoti Udaughan has and will never impose any candidate on the people of Kogi East. “All that is being seen so far in the party is the collective working together of the party leadership who have always appealed and insisted that her presence at activities will add fillip to the activities of the PDP.
“The story alleging that Sen. Natasha Akpoti is bent on or has imposed a candidate on the people of Kogi East is therefore false.”
He noted that as the highest-ranking PDP member in the state, Sen. Natasha serves as a leader whose funding and other support have remained unrivaled. “Sen. Natasha as leader of the PDP is so passionate about the party, which is why she is visible in every nook and cranny of the 21 LGAs of the state. Wherever the PDP or aspirants are organizing a function, the Senator tries to be present. Rather that makes unsubstantiated statement, what is needed is our support and encouragement for her.”
The Chairman urged members of the party, particularly in Kogi East, to disregard misinformation about imposition and to sheath their swords.
“I ask, where were the leaders who are speaking now when the party needed leadership? No responsibility of any other leadership organ of the party has been denied its function,” he said.
Hon. Gambo condemned efforts to discredit the party’s leader, maintaining that Sen. Natasha has lived up to expectation.
“The PDP has never had the kind of leadership Sen. Natasha provides — someone who truly has the PDP at heart. In just a few years in office and representation, her accomplishments are visible and verifiable. Sen. Natasha has been helpful and useful to the Kogi State PDP.”
He affirmed that since his assumption as Chairman, Sen. Natasha has never interfered with the workings of the party. “Rather, her experience and support are what we are enjoying. Sen. Natasha’s interest, as I know it, is in justice, equity, and fairness. The party is not just concerned with fielding candidates, but with fielding candidates that can win.”
Describing all allegations of imposition against Sen. Natasha as “lies,” Hon. Gambo called on PDP members, especially those in Kogi East Senatorial District, to calm down and work with the party leadership to deliver credible and widely accepted candidates.
“Sen. Natasha’s desire is a stronger PDP, and she has vowed to visit all Wards and Local Governments to galvanize members for all aspirants on the party’s platform. Her leadership style is inclusive, grassroots-driven, and focused on rebuilding trust in the PDP.”
He concluded by reaffirming that the party remains open to all and will ensure a transparent process that reflects the will of the people.
