By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
In politics, internal cohesion often determines whether a ruling party consolidates power or gradually loses its grip. In Kogi State, the unfolding tensions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) suggest a party grappling with its own contradictions—an internal struggle that may prove more consequential than any external opposition.
Recent allegations by party elders have cast a spotlight on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, accusing his administration of deepening divisions within the party. While political disagreements are not unusual, the scale and tone of these complaints indicate something more structural—a crisis of inclusion, trust, and internal democracy.
When Elders Sound the Alarm
The decision by APC elders to call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s national leadership under Nentawe Yilwatda is telling. It reflects a belief that local conflict resolution mechanisms have either failed or been bypassed.
Such appeals to Abuja often signal desperation within state chapters, where aggrieved stakeholders feel marginalised and unheard.
The Politics of Internal Sabotage
The controversy surrounding Senator Sunday Steve Karimi illustrates how intra-party rivalries can spiral into public spectacle. The reported attempt to stage a vote of no confidence—dismissed by elders as a “sponsored charade”—raises concerns about the misuse of party structures for factional advantage.
When internal processes become tools for settling political scores, the credibility of the party itself is undermined.
Congresses Without Consensus
At the centre of the crisis are allegations surrounding recent party congresses. Claims that key stakeholders were excluded point to a deeper issue: the erosion of participatory politics within the party.
In a politically diverse state like Kogi, where balance and representation are critical, any perception of exclusion can quickly translate into resentment. And resentment, if left unaddressed, evolves into resistance.
Silence, Discontent, and Political Signals
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the crisis is the reported silence in parts of Kogi East. In political terms, silence is rarely passive—it often signals disengagement or strategic withdrawal.
Party members who feel alienated may not protest openly, but their eventual actions—whether through defection, protest voting, or apathy—can significantly alter electoral outcomes.
Perception of Bias and Its Consequences
The allegations of favouritism toward certain areas in Kogi Central further complicate the situation. In politics, perception can be as powerful as reality. Once a narrative of imbalance takes root, it becomes difficult to reverse, even with corrective measures.
For a ruling party, maintaining the image of fairness is as important as actual governance.
A Test of Leadership
For Governor Ododo and the APC leadership, this moment represents a critical test. Managing a political party requires more than administrative control—it demands negotiation, consultation, and the ability to unify competing interests.
Ignoring dissent may provide short-term stability, but it often leads to long-term fragmentation.
Conclusion: A Crisis That Demands Urgency
The unfolding events in Kogi APC are not isolated disputes—they are warning signs of a deeper structural challenge. If not urgently addressed, the crisis could reshape political alignments in the state.
Ultimately, the APC in Kogi must decide whether it will remain a broad coalition of interests or devolve into a collection of competing factions. The outcome of that decision will not only define the party’s future but also influence the broader political landscape of the state.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi writes from Lokoja.
