A body known as Kogi/ Koton-Karfe Network for Change has described the recent primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the state assembly seat in the area as a sham, insisting that the exercise was anything but free and fair.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Lokoja on Tuesday, the association alleged that some leaders of the party in the area working with a leading traditional ruler, arm twisted the delegates to vote for their candidate, Hon. Tanko, which led to free for all fight, during the exercise.
The statement which was signed by the President of the association, Alhaji Ibrahim Isah and the Secretary, Mallam Zekeri Abu wondered why some leaders would be working against the interest of the party, saying the ugly development would only benefit the opposition party.
It explained that the decision by the leaders of the party to arm twist the delegates in picking weak candidates during the House of Representatives and state assembly primaries was to pave way for the victory of the opposition in the coming general elections.
While describing the area as a strong hold of the All Progressives Congress, the statement further expressed fear that the party might not do well in the coming polls, owing to the fact that the leaders of the party have decided to work against the interest of the party.
It commended the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the administrator of the local government, Hon. Tanko Musa for their efforts in moving the area forward, saying their decision to provide a level playing ground for the contestants is highly commendable.
The statement stressed the need for the governor to call some leaders of the party, whom they alleged, constitute a cog in the wheel of progress of the party to order, before it is too late, maintaining that a stitch in time saves nine.