A powerful bloc of political stakeholders under the aegis of Mopamuro Progressive Leaders Forum has distanced itself from a recent publication titled “The Position of Mopamuro Leaders on the 2027 Yagba Federal Constituency Election,” describing it as unrepresentative of the current political realities in the constituency and misaligned with the strategic interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The rejoinder, signed by over 20 prominent APC chieftains and former government officials from Mopamuro Local Government Area, emphasized that while they respect the right of every citizen to voice political opinions, the idea of rotational representation without regard to recent electoral dynamics is outdated and potentially harmful to party cohesion and electoral success.
“Despite producing APC candidates in both 2019 and 2023, Mopamuro lost to Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide due to his broad-based popularity across the three LGAs,” the forum noted, citing that Abejide even won six of the ten wards in Mopamuro in the last election.
“That alone is a clear indication that electoral victory demands strategic alliance, not entitlement,” the stakeholders said.
The group disclosed its current plan to rally support for Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, urging him to join the APC and consolidate his re-election bid under the ruling party’s banner.
“We are working to bring Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide into the APC and support his 2027 re-election bid,” the forum declared, “so that by 2031, Mopamuro can present a stronger candidate with backing from all three LGAs.”
The signatories criticized proponents of the “rotation” agenda, alleging that many are driven by personal ambition rather than collective party interest. “Two of the signatories were defeated by Elder Leke Abejide in past elections, even on the APC ticket,” the statement said. “Others who could barely win their polling units are threatening to repeat history by once again contesting, risking the party’s fortunes.”
However, the forum singled out His Excellency, Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, for commendation, calling him “a man of integrity and honour,” and expressed their intention to meet with him to seek unity and mutual understanding within the party.
“We must ask ourselves this honest question: what is better for Mopamuro and Yagba people? A ranking, nationally connected representative with a track record of delivery, or a first-time legislator still finding his feet, propelled by entitlement?”
The forum further criticized some of the signatories for lacking valid APC membership status at the ward level, advising them to regularize their membership before commenting on sensitive party matters.
In a final call to action, the leaders made a public appeal to Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide to join the APC, promising him full support from Mopamuro APC stakeholders.
“It is time for our party to benefit from your goodwill and achievements. Let us unite to build a stronger APC and a better Yagba,” the statement concluded.
The statement was signed by notable figures including Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications; Hon. Bolanle Ampitan, former Commissioner for Women Affairs; Chief Yomi Charles Orunshola, Pastor Babatunde Samuel, Chief Babatunde Moses , Hon. Sogo Williams and several former local government chairmen, secretaries, and senior aides to the present and the past administrations in the state.
