Political stakeholders from the nine local government areas of Kogi East converged in Anyigba on Wednesday to demand that the ruling party’s ticket for the Kogi East Senate seat be awarded to Dr Joseph Erico, if the party chooses the consensus mode of primary elections on Monday next week.
The gathering included ward chairmen, youth leaders, women’s groups, and elders from Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu, Ibaji, Dekina, Bassa, Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala LGAs.
They warned Governor Usman Ododo against imposing an alternative candidate reportedly backed by the presidency.
“We are not fighting the governor, but he must not tamper with our mandate,” said a community leader who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. “We have chosen Erico. No Aso Rock candidate will speak for us.”
A women’s leader, Grace Ocholi, added: “We carried water, we cooked, we voted to install this government, We will not watch any politician from Abuja sell our birthright. Our children need a son of the soil, not a stranger.”
The group also made it clear that if Erico does not get a consensus endorsement from the party, they will demand a free and fair primary election.
“We are not afraid of an election. Let the best man win,” said one youth leader from Dekina LGA who declined to give his name. “What we reject is a backroom deal where someone in Abuja just writes a name and tells us to clap.”
The stakeholders said they have heard rumors that a candidate is already being favored by some powers in the Federal Capital Territory. They warned that such a move would backfire badly.
“Kogi East is not a conquered territory,” said another elder who spoke to our reporter. “You cannot sit in Aso Rock and decide who will represent us. That is our right. Not theirs.”
Attempts to reach the governor’s spokesperson for comment were not returned as of press time. Several calls and text messages went unanswered.
The gathering in Anyigba ended peacefully, but the mood was tense. Many of the stalwarts said they would return to their various LGAs and begin mobilizing. They vowed to resist any last-minute changes to the party’s list.
“If they think we will just stay at home and accept nonsense, they are making a big mistake,” Grace Ocholi added before walking away from the venue.
