By Abdulkadir Bin Abdulmalik.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State have resolved to strengthen commitment to party unity and grassroots political mobilization.
This resolution followed a strategic meeting convened to deliberate on issues affecting the party and its future electoral prospects.
The meeting, held on Tuesday at the Lokoja residence of Professor Usman Ogbo, brought together party leaders, elders and key stakeholders from across the local government area.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party and establishing clear processes for aspiring candidates ahead of forthcoming political contests.
In his opening remarks, the APC Chairman in Ankpa Local Government, Hon. Muhammed Salihu Jibril, welcomed stakeholders and commended members for honoring the invitation, describing the gathering as an important platform for frank discussions on issues affecting the party in Ankpa.
He explained that the meeting was convened to address matters of concern within the party and urged participants to approach the deliberations with a spirit of unity and collective responsibility.
According to him, whatever resolutions emerge from the meeting should ultimately strengthen harmony, cooperation and mutual understanding among party faithful.
Delivering his welcome address, the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Engr. Mohammed Ademu Yahaya, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for attending the meeting and described every attendee as a critical stakeholder in the APC.
He noted that the primary objective of the meeting was to promote peace, reconciliation and unity among members, stressing that past misunderstandings within the party should not be allowed to create divisions going forward.
Engr. Yahaya further stated that the APC remains a broad-based political platform with supporters and stakeholders across the state, emphasizing that the party should never be taken for granted.
He, therefore, urged party members and stakeholders to return to their respective wards and intensify grassroots mobilization in line with the directive of the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Providing details on the purpose of the meeting, the host, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended stakeholders for their attendance and acknowledged the strong political presence of the APC in Ankpa Local Government Area, describing it as one of the most politically vibrant areas within the federal constituency.
He, however, expressed concern that persistent internal disagreements and unhealthy rivalries among political actors had in the past slowed the pace of development in the area.
Prof. Usman therefore stressed the need for renewed unity among party faithful, noting that the issues that previously caused disunity had now been addressed and that stakeholders should collectively embrace a new path of cooperation and development.
He urged members to always prioritize the development of Ankpa Local Government Area above personal interests, emphasizing that unity within the party would position the APC to achieve greater electoral success.
Prof. Usman also appreciated Governor Ododo, for prioritizing developmental interventions in Ankpa, particularly the ongoing erosion control efforts aimed at addressing severe environmental challenges threatening parts of the local government.
He noted that with unity and coordinated political efforts, the APC would be well positioned to secure victory in future elections, adding that the experiences of the 2019 and 2023 elections should serve as lessons for stakeholders.
According to him, preparations for future electoral contests must begin early, urging party members to begin mobilizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 elections.
Prof. Usman further clarified that neither he nor party stakeholders have the authority to impose candidates, noting that the party will continue to be guided by democratic principles and grassroots participation.
He advised all interested aspirants to return to their wards and formally declare their political ambitions through their ward chairmen and leaders, who would subsequently communicate such declarations to the Local Government APC Chairman and relevant stakeholders.
He added that the party must prioritize credible and electable candidates who possess the capacity to win elections and deliver effective representation and good governance to the people.
Prof. Usman noted that victory for the APC would be a collective achievement that would benefit all party stakeholders and supporters.
He also reminded members that the immediate political focus should be on the forthcoming National Assembly contests, particularly the House of Representatives and Senate elections, urging stakeholders to redouble their efforts for the contests.
Several speakers at the meeting, including Rt. Hon. Rabiu Ishaka Alfa and other party leaders, also called for sustained unity, peace and cooperation among APC stalwarts in Ankpa Local Government Area.
They emphasized the importance of projecting credible and sellable candidates who would be widely acceptable to the electorate and capable of delivering electoral victory for the party.
Similarly, the Zonal Organising Secretary of the APC, Hon. Musa Ishaka, reiterated the need for sustained unity and internal cohesion within the party while congratulating members of the Kogi State APC Executive Committee for their efforts in strengthening the party’s structures across the state.
At the end of deliberations, the stakeholders adopted three resolutions: That Ankpa LGA is opened to any of the National Assembly seats that may be zoned to Ankpa Federal Constituency. That all aspirants must return to their respective wards to formally declare their ambitions through their ward chairmen and stakeholders, who will subsequently communicate such declarations to the Local Government APC Chairman and critical stakeholders.
They also resolved that in view of the limited time available, a 48-hour window was declared for all intending aspirants to declare their ambitions through the appropriate ward structures.
The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their collective commitment to strengthening unity within the APC and working collaboratively to ensure the party’s success in future electoral contests.
The meeting was attended by several party leaders and stakeholders, including Engr. Mohammed Ademu Yahaya, Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government; Hon. Musa Ishaka, Zonal Organising Secretary of the APC; Rt. Hon. Rabiu Ishaka Alfa; Hon. Lawal Akus, Hon. Abbas Linco; Hajia Rabi Haruna; Hon. Mohammed Ayuba; Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, Hon. Ibrahim Abagwu; Hon. Hauwa Aduku; Hon. Dauda Khadija; Hon. Muhammed Salisu Jibril, APC Chairman, Ankpa LGA; Hon. Martins Moses; Hon. Sanni Musa; Hon. Victor Akati Stephen; Hon. Abdul Wahab Bello; Hon. Abdul Haruna; Hon. Lenten Sadiq; Hon. Fatimeti Suleiman; Hon. Muhammed Aishatu; Amadu Hajara; Mercy Negedu; Abubakar Musa Mohammed; Lawal Jimoh, Ward Chairmen and the 13 Councillors amongst others.
