By Theanalyst.
As Nigeria gradually inches toward the 2027 general elections, political permutations and alignments are already shaping the nation’s democratic landscape. In Kogi State, particularly in Kogi East Senatorial District, the political atmosphere has become increasingly charged following the controversial All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election that has sharply divided party loyalists and stakeholders.
Traditionally, state House of Assembly, House of Representatives and senatorial contests dominate political activities in Kogi State. However, the unfolding drama in Kogi East has taken a different dimension, exposing deep cracks within the ruling APC and igniting debates over zoning, political loyalty and external influence.
At the centre of the storm is the incumbent senator representing Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, whose political future has become the subject of intense controversy after reports emerged alleging that he had agreed not to contest the APC senatorial primaries ahead of the 2027 elections.
The senator swiftly dismissed the reports in a statement issued on Thursday, describing them as false, fabricated and orchestrated by desperate political actors determined to mislead the public and create confusion within the APC fold.
Echocho maintained that at no point did he withdraw from the race or authorise anybody to speak on his behalf regarding his political ambition.
“I remain the authentic candidate of the APC in Kogi East and firmly committed to seeking the mandate of my people once again under the platform of our great party, the APC,” the lawmaker declared.
The controversy surrounding the Kogi East APC primary election has since generated divergent reactions across the district, with political analysts describing the unfolding events as a major test of political strength within the Igala-speaking axis of Kogi politics.
Some observers argue that despite what they described as the “hero worship” of former governor Yahaya Bello and the alleged backing of influential forces within the state political establishment, Senator Echocho has now entered what they termed a “political baptism of fire.”
Tensions further escalated after a viral video surfaced online showing the visibly angry senator accusing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of alleged political manipulation in the conduct of the APC primary election.
In the video, Echocho reportedly stated that although he had earlier informed key political stakeholders that he would not contest the 2027 governorship election, recent developments had compelled him to reconsider his position.
“I have told everyone that matters that I will not contest the 2027 governorship election, but now the battle line has been drawn. I will contest the governorship seat come 2027,” the senator was quoted as saying.
While the APC struggles to contain the growing tension, another dramatic twist emerged when Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, the 2023 governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), announced his withdrawal from the Kogi East senatorial race and declared support for Senator Echocho’s re-election bid.
Ajaka, who had earlier shown interest in the senatorial contest, explained that his ambition was largely motivated by appeals from constituents, stakeholders, youths and women groups seeking quality representation at the National Assembly.
However, following what he described as extensive consultations, the former governorship candidate said he decided to step down in the overall interest of Kogi East.
“I have decided to fully support Distinguished Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho,” Ajaka stated.
“Though I may not agree with some of his leadership approaches, he remains the better alternative at this critical moment owing to his experience, political reach, ranking advantage and capacity to attract greater development and opportunities to our district.”
Ajaka added that the decision was aimed at promoting unity and ensuring a collective political direction for Kogi East ahead of the 2027 elections.
In another viral video that circulated across social media platforms, the former SDP governorship candidate was also seen apologising to former governor Yahaya Bello while urging his supporters across the district to rally behind Senator Echocho in the interest of peace, unity and development.
He further appealed to political leaders and stakeholders to closely monitor developments in Kogi State in order to preserve stability and safeguard long-term political progress within the state.
Reacting to Ajaka’s withdrawal from the race, political commentator Samuel Stephen Amedu argued that the development reflected a growing determination among the Igala people to assert their political independence.
According to him, “the withdrawal of Murtala Ajaka from the race is a testimony to the fact that the Igala nation will make a statement come 2027 election. Kogi East must be allowed to choose who will represent them without interference from outside, as witnessed during the APC primary.”
Amedu also commended political elites in Kogi West for what he described as their united support for Senator Sunday Karimi.
Meanwhile, another faction within the APC has continued to defend the outcome of the controversial senatorial primary election conducted in Idah on Monday.
At a press conference held in Lokoja under the auspices of Leaders and Stakeholders of the APC in Kogi East Senatorial District, a former ally of Senator Echocho, Alhaji Abubakar Rajab, insisted that the primary election reflected the genuine wishes of party members.
Rajab maintained that the May 20 primary election was free, fair and credible, urging aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome in the interest of party unity and cohesion ahead of future elections.
According to the APC stakeholders, the direct primary system provided all aspirants equal opportunity to test their popularity, grassroots strength and acceptability among party members across Kogi East.
The stakeholders also revealed that Senator Echocho had earlier been informed about an alleged zoning arrangement designed to cede the Kogi East senatorial seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency after the completion of his second term.
They argued that the arrangement was part of a long-standing political understanding aimed at promoting fairness, inclusion and peaceful coexistence among the federal constituencies within Kogi East Senatorial District.
The controversial primary election itself has remained a major talking point across Kogi State.
Announcing the results at the APC collation centre in Idah, the returning officer, Thomas Offors, declared Ameh Erico winner of the exercise with 73,317 votes.
Tim Nda-Diche from Bassa Local Government Area came second with 3,238 votes, while Okutepa Dalandi secured 85 votes.
Senator Jibrin Echocho polled 51 votes, Akor Kashim received 43 votes, Muri Ajaka got three votes, while Muhammed Bala Alfa recorded two votes.
The outcome of the exercise has continued to generate controversy, with many party loyalists and observers questioning both the process and the credibility of the figures announced.
With tensions rising and divisions deepening within the ruling APC, political observers now believe that the party’s national leadership in Abuja may be forced to intervene decisively to prevent the crisis from escalating further.
For many stakeholders, the unfolding Kogi East political drama is no longer just about a senatorial seat; it has evolved into a larger battle over political influence, zoning arrangements, party supremacy and the future direction of Kogi politics ahead of 2027.
As events continue to unfold, all eyes remain firmly fixed on the APC national secretariat in Abuja to determine whether the ruling party can navigate the crisis and preserve its political dominance in Kogi East before the approaching elections. Only time will judge.
MUSA TANIMU NASIDI is a journalist, he writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
