As the primary election for the choice of parties flag bearers for the November Governorship election in Kogi state gets closer, several supporters of Hon. James Abiodun Faleke of the All Progressives Congress APC, have expressed shock and embarrassment by his sudden withdrawal from the race.
A frontline female politician in Kogi state and a Lagos based business tycoon, Hajiya Hadiza Ibrahim, who addressed a press conference on Monday at the NUJ press centre, Lokoja, said she was embarrassed and almost broke down in tears.
Hajiya Hadiza has been contesting Kogi Governorship elections, since 2007 to 2015, but decided to step aside this 2023, because her political leader and mentor, James Abiodun Faleke was in the race.
” I wish to state emphatically that the reason why I did not obtain the expression of interest form for the APC Governorship primary election coming up in April was borne out of some political reasons.
Rt Honorable James Abiodun Faleke (JAF)
” I also wish to inform you that my ambition is borne out of the genuine desire to provide a people oriented leadership that would ensure the provision of the needed gains of democracy to our people in line with the wishes and aspirations.
” However that desire can only be attained when it is not in conflict with my political leader, Hon. James Faleke, who is my political mentor and teacher. I consider it an affront to be in the same contest with him.” Hajiya Hadiza stated.
The politician however appealed to the All Progressives Congress APC to extend or reopen the purchase of intent declaration and nomination forms, so as to allow those that are capable including herself to contest the election.
When our correspondent m sought the views of some APC Stakeholders and supporters across the state, the reactions remain the same.
The Abubakar Audu political group of the All Progressives Congress in Kogi state, expressed displeasure over the sudden withdrawal of Falake from the primary election in preparation for the November race.
According to Alhaji Usman Audu a staunch supporter and youths mobilizer for Faleke’s Governorship, the APC in Kogi state has been destabilized by the shocking news of Faleke’s withdrawal from the race.
He said the political scene in Kogi state has been left to those that have bastardized the progressive politics with all manners of people who have no business with politics,finding themselves in government
A female politician, Mrs Rebecca Oluyemi, from Kogi West Senatorial district has bemoaned the withdrawal of Falake from the race , pointing out that the former running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu who died before the election result was announced has frustrated the people of Kogi state.
However some political leaders received the news of Faleke’s withdrawal with mix reactions. While some expressed disappointment over Faleke’s sudden u- turn in the governorship race as the people have already made up their minds to support him.
Some others are happy because Falake’s exit from the race will create opportunity for their own aspirants who ordinarily can not be heard any where in the course of campaigns.
