…as zoning deal sparks controversy
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East Senatorial District have defended the outcome of the party’s senatorial primary election held on May 20, 2026, insisting that the exercise was free, fair and credible, while urging aggrieved aspirants particularly incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho to accept the outcome in the interest of party unity.
Speaking at a press conference on the outcome of the APC senatorial primary election yesterday, leaders of the party in Kogi East said the process reflected the “true spirit of democracy,” stressing that the emergence of the winning candidate was the clear expression of the will of party members across the district.
The stakeholders, led by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab, said the primary election, conducted through direct voting, was necessitated after extensive consultations among elders, party executives, opinion leaders and stakeholders across Kogi East failed to produce a consensus arrangement.
According to them, while consensus-building efforts were initially explored, “observable gaps and emerging concerns” made it necessary to adopt direct primaries to provide all aspirants equal opportunity to test their popularity, grassroots appeal and political acceptability among APC members.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his unwavering commitment to democratic principles, internal party discipline, justice, equity and fairness within the APC.
They also praised the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC), for providing steadfast leadership and strengthening internal democracy within the ruling party.
At the state level, the stakeholders expressed appreciation to the Kogi State APC Chairman and the party leadership for their coordination and maturity during the conduct of the primary election.
Special commendation was equally extended to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his political leadership and continued influence on progressive politics in Kogi State, as well as Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for ensuring what they described as a level playing field for all aspirants during the primaries.
Defending the credibility of the process, the APC leaders said the direct primary election was conducted peacefully and without intimidation, coercion or manipulation, adding that party members turned out massively to vote for candidates of their choice.
“The voices of party members resonated louder than the whispers of political convenience,” the stakeholders stated, insisting that the exercise allowed democracy to thrive and enabled the most credible and politically marketable candidate to emerge victorious.
The stakeholders stressed that political contests naturally produce winners and losers, noting that democratic maturity demands that defeated aspirants accept outcomes with dignity and magnanimity.
They called on all aspirants, their supporters and stakeholders in the district to respect the outcome of the primary election and rally support for the victorious candidate to strengthen party cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
However, the conference took a dramatic turn as the APC leaders revealed that Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho had allegedly been informed of an existing zoning arrangement which ceded the Kogi East senatorial seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency after the completion of his two-term tenure.
According to the stakeholders, the arrangement was in line with an established political understanding and rotational tradition within the district aimed at promoting fairness, inclusion, political balance and peaceful coexistence among constituent federal constituencies.
They further claimed that Senator Echocho had accepted the zoning arrangement and reportedly appreciated both former Governor Bello and Governor Ododo for supporting his two-term representation of Kogi East in the Senate.
The stakeholders, however, expressed surprise that the senator later obtained the APC senatorial nomination form and joined the race despite what they described as a gentleman’s agreement on zoning.
Despite this, they maintained that the APC, as a democratic party, did not bar Echocho from participating in the process, insisting that he was granted equal opportunity alongside other aspirants to test his political relevance through the ballot.
“The outcome of the primary election has now settled the matter democratically and decisively,” the stakeholders declared, adding that no political structure could permanently stand against the collective will of the people.
They appealed to all aggrieved parties to embrace reconciliation, avoid bitterness and place the unity, stability and progress of the APC above personal ambitions.
Reaffirming confidence in the party’s strength in the district, the APC leaders declared that Kogi East remained united and resolute, expressing optimism that the party would deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections.
The statement concluded with prayers for Nigeria, Kogi State and the APC, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to cohesion and electoral success.
The press conference statement was signed by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab, on behalf of leaders and stakeholders of the APC in Kogi East Senatorial District.
