Kogi East Leaders, Women Reject Alleged Candidate Imposition, Back Erico for Senate
An All Progressives Congress, APC, stakeholders from the nine local government areas of Kogi East on has converged in Anyigba to demand that the ruling party’s senatorial ticket for Kogi East be ceded to Dr. Joseph Erico if the party adopts the consensus option for next week’s primary election.
The meeting drew ward chairmen, youth leaders, women groups, and elders from Idah, Igalamela-Odolu, Ofu, Ibaji, Dekina, Bassa, Ankpa, Olamaboro, and Omala local government areas.
The stakeholders warned against what they described as attempts to impose an alternative candidate allegedly backed by powerful interests in Abuja.
“We are not fighting the governor, but he must not tamper with our mandate,” a community leader, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitivity of the matter, said. “We have chosen Erico. No Aso Rock candidate will speak for us.”
Speaking at the gathering, women leader Grace Ocholi said the people of Kogi East deserved representation rooted in the district’s interests and aspirations.
“We worked hard to support this government and we will not allow outsiders to decide our political future,” she said. “Our children deserve a true son of the soil who understands the needs of the people.”
The group further stated that should the party decline to adopt Erico through consensus, they would insist on a transparent and credible primary election.
“We are not afraid of an election. Let the best candidate emerge through a fair contest,” a youth leader from Dekina LGA, who declined to be named, said. “What we reject is any form of backroom arrangement imposed on the people.”
The stakeholders also expressed concern over alleged reports that certain interests within the Federal Capital Territory were backing another aspirant for the seat, warning that such a move could provoke widespread dissatisfaction across the district.
“Kogi East is not a conquered territory,” an elder at the meeting told reporters. “The people must be allowed to decide who represents them.”
Efforts to obtain a reaction from the Kogi State Government were unsuccessful as calls and text messages to the governor’s spokesperson were not responded to as of press time.
Although the meeting ended peacefully, participants said they would return to their respective local government areas to intensify consultations and mobilization ahead of the primary election.
“If anyone believes we will quietly accept injustice, they are mistaken,” Ocholi added as the gathering concluded.
