By Edison Atumeyi Edime
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State stands at a critical moment in its political development. Recent disagreements and internal tensions among party stakeholders, particularly within Kogi East, have raised serious concerns about the cohesion, stability and future electoral strength of the party.
A political party can only remain competitive when its structures are built on unity of purpose, internal democracy, consultation, mutual respect and collective responsibility. Where personal interests, factional alignments and leadership disagreements begin to take precedence over the broader interests of the party and its members, the consequences can be damaging.
The situation requires urgent attention, not through blame or political confrontation, but through dialogue, reconciliation and genuine conflict resolution. Party leaders, elected representatives, stakeholders, youth leaders and grassroots members must be given the opportunity to express their concerns within a constructive framework.
Kogi East, like every senatorial district, remains an important component of the political architecture of Kogi State. Any prolonged internal division in the area could have implications for grassroots mobilisation, party cohesion, voter confidence, campaign coordination and electoral performance.
The APC must therefore strengthen its internal dispute-resolution mechanisms and ensure that party structures serve the collective interest rather than individual ambitions. Political disagreements are normal in a democratic organisation, but unresolved disagreements can evolve into destructive factionalism.
There is also a need for greater emphasis on inclusive leadership, stakeholder engagement, transparent decision-making and respect for party organs. The political future of the party should not be determined solely by competing personal interests. It should be shaped by a shared vision for the party and the people it seeks to represent.
As a political activist and youths advocate, I believe that the current concerns deserve serious consideration. The younger generation is watching the political process closely and expects political organisations to demonstrate maturity, accountability and the capacity to resolve their differences peacefully.
The time for reconciliation is now.
The objective should not be to determine which individual faction wins an internal contest. The greater objective should be to preserve the unity, credibility and institutional strength of the party.
If internal disagreements are allowed to persist unchecked, every political organisation risks weakening its grassroots structure and diminishing its capacity to compete effectively in future elections. That is why constructive engagement and early intervention are preferable to allowing divisions to deepen.
Kogi APC needs a reconciliation process, not further polarisation; dialogue, not confrontation; collective interest, not personal interest; and institutional strengthening, not factional entrenchment.
The future of any political organisation ultimately depends on the strength of its internal cohesion and its relationship with the people.
Kogi APC must therefore choose unity, reconciliation and responsible political leadership.
– Edison Atumeyi Edime
Political Activist and Youths Advocate
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