The political atmosphere in Kogi East Senatorial District has taken a turbulent turn as prominent leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have filed an official petition with the National Chairman of the party, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.
The petition raises an alarm over alleged high-handedness and “desperate tactics” by state officials to undermine the political standing of the incumbent Senator representing Kogi East, Senator Jibrin Isah (Echocho).
In a strongly-worded statement released on Wednesday and signed by the group’s representative, Ibrahim Mohammed, the stakeholders accused the Kogi State Auditor General, Alhaji Yakubu Y. Okala, of orchestrating a campaign of intimidation against local party leadership.
Allegations of Coerced Signatures
According to the statement, Alhaji Okala is alleged to have summoned ward chairmen and compelled them, under duress, to sign documents stating they have rejected Senator Echocho. The stakeholders described this move as a fabrication intended to create a false impression of a “vote of no confidence” from the grassroots.
“We are calling on the National Chairman and the National Secretary to ignore the purported letter of rejection currently being circulated,” the statement read. “Our investigation reveals that many of those who attended the meeting where these signatures were extracted are not even authentic ward executives, let alone chairmen. This is a clear case of impersonation and political desperation taken to its highest level.”
The stakeholders warned that the actions of the state government officials are placing the APC’s future in Kogi State at grave risk. They argued that creating internal friction through coercion could alienate the electorate and weaken the party’s hold on the region ahead of future elections.
“The desperation currently being exhibited by certain elements within the state government is alarming,” Mohammed stated. “By trying to forcefully unseat a performing senator, they are not just attacking an individual; they are sabotaging the stability of the APC in Kogi East. We must prioritize party cohesion over personal vendettas.”
The Case for Senator Echocho
Defending the track record of the incumbent, the stakeholders insisted that Senator Jibrin Isah’s performance makes him the most viable candidate for the party. They noted that his legislative interventions and various developmental projects across the nine local government areas of Kogi East have made the party’s campaign efforts significantly easier.
“Re-electing Senator Jibrin Isah is to the strategic advantage of the entire Igala nation and Kogi East. His achievements are visible for everyone to see. He has earned the trust of the people, and his return to the Red Chamber will ensure that the region continues to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” the group added.
The statement concluded by urging loyal party members in Kogi East not to be discouraged by the current political maneuvers. The stakeholders called on the party faithful to remain firm, united, and focused on defending the Renewed Hope reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We urge our members to stand their ground. We must resist any attempt to destabilize our party through undemocratic means. Our loyalty remains with the party and the progress of our district, and we trust the National Leadership to do justice in this matter,” the statement concluded.
The APC National Secretariat is expected to review the petition as the internal rift within the Kogi State chapter continues to draw national attention.
