The All Comrades Alliance for Tinubu (ALCAT), Kogi state chapter, has called on the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ignore allegations and protests against the just concluded senatorial primary election of the party in Kogi East.
Addressing a press conference in Lokoja on Tuesday, Chairperson of ALCAT in Kogi State, CSP Oguche Richard (Rtd), described the emergence of Dr. Joseph Ameh Erico as the APC senatorial candidate for Kogi East as victory for democracy, party unity and collective aspirations of the people.
The group declared that the primary election that produced Erico was transparent, peaceful and a true reflection of the will of party members.
Oguche said ALCAT monitored the entire primary election process and was satisfied that it was conducted in line with democratic principles and party guidelines.
According to him, the exercise was free, fair, peaceful and orderly, adding that the large turnout of delegates and party faithful during the primary further demonstrated the strength and unity of the APC across Kogi East.
The group stressed that the purpose of the press conference was to “set the record straight” on the conduct of the primary election, insisting that the outcome was widely accepted by stakeholders and should not be subjected to unnecessary controversy.
The group praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as purposeful leadership and commitment to internal democracy within the APC.
ALCAT equally commended the leadership of the ruling party at all levels for ensuring what it called a smooth and credible primary election process.
The group paid glowing tribute to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his role in promoting political inclusiveness and leadership development in Kogi State, while also applauding Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his humility, courage and commitment to peace and unity in the state.
While calling on aggrieved aspirants and their supporters to embrace peace and sportsmanship, ALCAT expressed confidence that Dr. Erico would remain magnanimous in victory and work with all interests within the party for the collective good of Kogi East.
ALCAT described Dr. Erico as a politician who has demonstrated pragmatic leadership, accessible by the people, contributed immensely towards tackling insecurity in the eastern part of the state, adding that he has all the values needed to be the next Senator that will represent Kogi East.
The group assured the APC leadership of its readiness to mobilise support across the 21 local government areas of the state ahead of future elections, pledging loyalty to the party and its leadership.
ALCAT maintained that the successful conduct of the primary had further strengthened public confidence in the democratic process and reaffirmed the APC’s dominance in Kogi East Senatorial District.
