APC assures free, fair Reps primary in Kogi amid complaints

The All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Kogi State was free and fair despite complaints in some areas.

The election, which took place in various ward headquarters and was later transferred to each federal constituency, witnessed a large turnout.

Our correspondent, who visited some wards in Lokoja, Okene and other parts of Kogi West, observed a large turnout of voters.

However, in some areas, voters complained about the non-availability of materials, especially in Abuga/Ozuja Ward in the Okene Local Government Area.

Also in Mopa, voters complained about the non-availability of materials, particularly in Ward 8.

In Lokoja/Kogi Local Government Area, stakeholders and delegates of the APC in the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency endorsed the lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Sulaiman Danladi Aguye, for a second term in office.

The endorsement exercise, held across several wards in Lokoja Local Government Area, attracted a large turnout of party faithful, leaders and supporters who gathered to show support for the lawmaker’s re-election bid.

Speaking during the exercise at Ward B, Hon. Sunday Ohimony said the meeting was convened to reaffirm the constituency’s confidence in Aguye’s leadership and representation.

He also praised Hon. Abdulrafiu Yakubu for his role in fostering unity within the party.

Among prominent personalities at the event were the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf; the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Haruna Isah; Hon. Sam Ranti Abenemi; alongside other APC leaders and stakeholders.

Addressing delegates and supporters, the Speaker expressed appreciation to party members for their continued loyalty to the APC and commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as purposeful leadership in Kogi State.

He assured residents of Lokoja II Constituency that elected representatives under the APC would continue to deliver the dividends of democracy and grassroots development.

In his remarks, Hon. Aguye thanked party delegates and members for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to remain committed to the welfare and development of the constituency.

“I sincerely appreciate members of our great party in Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency for this show of confidence. I remain committed to ensuring that our people continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Aguye stated.

The federal lawmaker also acknowledged the support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, and other APC leaders for sustaining unity and cooperation within the party.

The endorsement followed Aguye’s adoption as the APC consensus candidate for the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act that allow for consensus arrangements and direct primaries.

The event, which took place at Felele Primary School, was attended by party stakeholders, women’s groups, youth supporters and community leaders.

Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise across wards in Lokoja Local Government Area, observed that the process was peaceful, orderly and witnessed massive participation by party members.

At Ward D, former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Imam, described the exercise as a clear indication of overwhelming support for Aguye’s second-term ambition.

Similarly, APC leader in Ward E, Alhaji Sulaiman Abubakar Baba Yakamata, commended Governor Ododo for encouraging consensus and unity within the party.

Also speaking, the APC chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming local government elections, Hon. Alhassan Abdulrahman Gentle, appreciated party members and supporters for their impressive turnout and commitment to the success of the exercise.

In Kogi East, the current member representing Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Haruna Gowon, who was the sole aspirant for the party’s primary election, was affirmed.

Also, the Executive Chairman of Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Cosmas Atabor, commended the peaceful and orderly conduct of the APC House of Representatives primary held across wards in the council area.

Speaking to journalists at one of the polling units in Ajaka, the council headquarters, Barr. Atabor described the exercise as free, fair and transparent, noting that it reflected the growing political maturity of party members.

“The large turnout of card-carrying members of the APC demonstrates the people’s determination to choose a representative of their choice,” he said. “This is a clear example of participatory governance in action.”

He praised party faithful for maintaining peace before, during and after the exercise, and urged them to sustain the same conduct in subsequent political activities within the local government.

Barr. Atabor also lauded Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for creating an enabling environment that ensured a hitch-free primary across the state.

“What you see here is the enthusiasm of party members to take part in the process of selecting the candidate who will fly the party’s flag in the next House of Representatives election,” he stated. “It clearly shows how APC members in Igalamela-Odolu align with the present administration in the state.”

He urged aspirants to accept the will of the people, stressing that positions come from God.

A correspondent who monitored the exercise in several wards reported that party members began arriving as early as 8:00 a.m. for an exercise scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m., underscoring the high level of interest and organisation.