Congress is an intra party process that ushers in a new party executives from ward to national level, and this tradition is part of political annual festivities that must be observed by all political parties in this country.
For that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a leading opposition party, cannot be excepted.
In the North Central, there was a gentlemen arrangement reached before Kogi state congress was conducted in 2019 which led to the re-election of all the state excos, including the state Chairman, Engr Sam Ohotu and others. The same arrangements was repeated at the North Central Congress in Markudi, Benue state, that led to all the excos returned unopposed.
Coming to Kogi state local government and ward congresses, in order to avoid implosion, a stakeholders meeting was held in Lokoja, the state capital, and it was agreed that the consensus arrangements should adopted.
This arrangement means that Alhaji Husseini Ibrahim Ejini should be among people, the first person to be given rights of first refusal, having done well as Chairman of Dekina division ever since he took over from late Sani Dr Hook.
Due to the fact that the decision was kicked against by a section of stakeholders in Anyigba, a ward election was conducted to determine the eventual chairman, notwithstanding the decision of consensus arrangements as agreed by stakeholders.
Contestants of the election, which was organized under the leadership of Anyigba ward chairman, Alhaji Amidu and supervised by Hon Isah Shabba, the former state head of service.
The results are as follows;
1. Alhaji Husseini Ibrahim “Ejini” – 10 votes
2. Alhaji Yahaya Jibrin “Apiro” – 6 votes
3. Hon. Alhassan Abdul “Ogwu” – 8 votes
4. Hon. Atache Usman – 3 votes
5. Hon. Adejoh Momoh – 2 votes
With one invalid vote.
Penultimate to the election, the contestants agreed and signed memorandum of understanding that whoever emerges as winner will be supported. As fate had it, Alhaji Husseini Ibrahim Ejini emerged with Alhassan Abdul Ogwu as first runner up.
On August 5, the outcome of the contest was communicated to Captain Idris Wada, a former Governor and leader of the party at his Abuja residence. In attendance were: Capt. Idris Wada, Engr Musa Wada, Senator Nicholas Ugbane, Hon Benjamin Ikani, Alhaji Mikail Isah, Comrade Usman Okai Austin CNA, Hon. Simon Atadoga, Dr. Mohammed Shiabu Tettes, Hon. Emmanuel Omebije and Hon. Halilu Abdul.
Although, Ikani Okolo expressed his dissatisfaction that he wasn’t invited to the election, he nonetheless signed the endorsement of Alhaji Hussini Ibrahim Ejini as the consensus candidate for Anyigba after he was apologised to and pacified.
It is unfortunate that the mischievous elements are bent on tarnishing the image of Capt Idris Wada and others who attended the meeting, alleging imposition in an election organized by Anyigba party stakeholders Chairman, Isah Shabba. Perhaps some are surprised by the outcome.
For those who are aggrieved, it is important we understand that outcome of congress may not favor everybody but the will of the majority must prevail. I appeal to everyone to queue behind Alhaji Husseini Ejini, the consensus chairman of the party for Dekina Chapter.
– Alih Shaibu writes from Agala Road, Anyigba, Dekina LGA.
