Engr. John Ibrahim Ocheje has congratulated Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho and Hon. David Zachariah on their victories as Kogi East Senator and member representing Idah federal constituency respectively under the platform of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
He noted that defeating the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the senatorial district and the constituency was not with a surprise due to the injustices that prevailed in the nomination of their candidates.
Engr. Ocheje who emerged the PDP candidate for the constituency seat was subsequently replaced by Mr. Uchola Ojogbane Omale through an orchestrated re-run primary that did not follow a due process. This was fought up to the apex court in a judgement he described as a “miscarriage of justice”.
While describing him as “child of circumstance”, he urged Hon. David Zachariah, the constituency’s elected member, to use the next four years to correct the mistakes in his first term, noting that he benefitted most from the injustice within the main opposition intra-party politics.
While calling for a redemption for the PDP in the senatorial district entirely, he disclosed that such sundry failure could only lead the party to oblivion.
Recall that Engr. Ocheje was a front runner in the botched Kogi East PDP senatorial primary in 2019 and therefore has huge supporters across the senatorial district. His large support base resulted in protest vote against PDP candidates because his mandate was allegedly stolen from him in the most brazen manner.
He, however, expressed optimism that PDP could have another chance when it can activate internal mechanism that will resist intra-polity injustice and fraud against popular aspirants.
While congratulating Senator Echocho and Hon. Zachariah, he hinted that the opportunity afforded to them may not be available to them in future electoral periods if the interest of the people is not protected.
“They should be reminded that people’s interest tops the height of political achievements and there is no way anyone will be rewarded in service without ensuring development for their people,” he said.
The PDP stalwart told the party’s candidates that lost to try again “because we have deprived ourselves the opportunity to emancipate our district and constituency”.
