As Kogi State moves toward its forthcoming Local Government Elections, a notable shift in political tone is emerging from the Action People Party. The APP has released its official schedule for the polls and, more importantly, issued strong assurances that the process will be free, fair and transparently conducted. In a political climate where trust is often scarce, such commitments deserve both attention and scrutiny.
Speaking to journalists in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Action People Party in Kogi State, Doctor Onaji Sunday Frank, delivered a message that blended confidence with caution. “Our party remains steadfast in upholding the guidelines set by the APP and by the State Independent Electoral Commission,” he said, emphasizing that every aspirant will have a level playing field throughout the exercise.
This assertion, in a state where political contests are often defined by tension, stands out. Onaji underscored the party’s core ethos of openness and inclusiveness. “We are encouraging all interested members to come forward,” he noted. “No one should feel fear or intimidation. Complaints, inquiries and clarifications will be handled openly at every stage.”
Such transparency, if fully upheld, could help rebuild trust in grassroots elections. Local government polls are typically the closest to the everyday citizen, yet they are frequently the most overlooked or the most compromised. By publicly insisting on clarity and fairness, the APP appears intent on setting a new tone.
Onaji also took a moment to express gratitude to party members and supporters across Kogi State. “The successes we have recorded so far are a direct result of the love and commitment of our members,” he said. “They have stood firmly with the leadership and with the ideals of our party.”
But his address was not merely celebratory. It carried a strong note of warning and a plea for restraint. As campaigns pick up momentum, Onaji urged aspirants and their supporters to embody peace, dignity and political maturity. “There must be no room for bitterness or acrimony,” he cautioned. “At the end of the process, there will be no victor and no vanquished. The people of Kogi State will be the ultimate winners.”
This framing shifts the conversation away from personality politics and toward collective responsibility. For a democracy to thrive, the electorate must believe that elections serve the people rather than the ambitions of individuals. Onaji’s message, if sincerely pursued, aligns with that ideal.
The APP’s activity schedule for the election mirrors the official timetable released by the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission. This coordination suggests a deliberate effort to comply with institutional structures, another signal that the party intends to foster credibility rather than controversy.
Ultimately, the real test will come on election day and in the days leading up to it. Calls for unity and vigilance are welcome, but actions will matter far more than words. If the APP follows through on its promises, Kogi may well witness a refreshing chapter in its local governance journey. And if other parties embrace the same commitment to fairness, the result could be a healthier democratic culture for the entire state.
For now, the onus is on political actors and the electorate alike to uphold the standards being championed. Democracy is strongest when its processes are respected, its participants are informed and its leaders put the people first. In Kogi’s local elections, that principle is being put to the test once again.
