APC Primaries: Echocho loses Kogi East ticket as leaders defend process
The leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East Senatorial District have hailed the conduct of the just concluded primary election in the district.
The exercise saw the incumbent senator representing Kogi East and chairman senate committee on Customs, Jibrin Isah Echocho, losing his reelection bid, and the stakeholders after assessing the exercise, defended the outcome of the election.
They insisted that the exercise was free, fair and credible and urged aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome in the interest of party unity.
While speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, on the outcome of the election, leaders of the party in Kogi East noted that the process reflected the “true spirit of democracy,” stressing that the emergence of the winning candidate was the expression of the will of party members across the district.
The stakeholders, led by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab, said the primary election, conducted through direct voting, followed consultations among elders, party executives, opinion leaders and stakeholders across Kogi East.
According to them, while consensus-building efforts were initially explored, “observable gaps and emerging concerns” made it necessary to adopt direct primaries to provide all aspirants equal opportunity to test their popularity, grassroots appeal and political acceptability among APC members.
He said, “Before the commencement of the primaries, extensive consultations were held among critical stakeholders, elders, party executives, and opinion leaders across Kogi East. Through rigorous deliberations and political engagements, consensus-building efforts were initially explored.
“However, certain observable gaps and emerging concerns necessitated the adoption of direct primaries in place of consensus arrangements, in order to provide every aspirant with an unfettered opportunity to test his popularity, political acceptability, and grassroots credibility before the electorate.
“Consequently, a free, fair, transparent, and credible primary election was conducted under a peaceful atmosphere devoid of intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. The process reflected the true spirit of democracy where the voices of party members resonated louder than the whispers of political convenience. Card-carrying members of the APC trooped out massively to exercise their constitutional and democratic rights by voting for candidates of their choice.
“At the end of the exercise, the outcome spoke eloquently and unequivocally. The will of the people prevailed, and the most credible, acceptable, and politically marketable candidate emerged victorious.”
The stakeholders also stated that Echocho, was duly informed about the zoning arrangement of the senatorial seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency following the completion of his two-term tenure, but expressed surprise that he went ahead to buy nomination forms, stressing that the arrangement aligns with the long-established political understanding and rotational tradition within the Eastern Senatorial District aimed at promoting fairness, inclusion, balance, and mutual coexistence among the constituent federal constituencies.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as his commitment to democratic principles, internal party discipline, justice, equity and fairness within the APC.
They also praised the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, alongside members of the National Working Committee (NWC), for providing leadership and strengthening internal democracy within the ruling party.
The stakeholders appreciated the Kogi State APC Chairman and the party leadership for their coordination during the conduct of the primary election.
Former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello was also commended for his political leadership, as well as Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for ensuring what they described as a level playing field for all aspirants during the primaries.
They appealed to all parties to embrace reconciliation, avoid bitterness and place the unity, stability and progress of the APC above personal ambitions.
Reaffirming confidence in the party’s strength in the district, the APC leaders declared that Kogi East remained united and resolute, expressing optimism that the party would continue to support President Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections.
