Controversy trails Kogi APC delegates election

THE Local Government Delegate congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State,on Saturday, was peaceful as the state governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, declared that the exercise had further united the party.

The exercise, conducted to elect the statutory three national delegates from each local government, was conducted amidst peaceful atmosphere with many of the local government areas settling for consensus arrangement.

In Lokoja Local Government Area, members of the party came out as early as 8 am to participate in the exercise, which involved all card-carrying members of the party.

Also in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, members of the party filed out peacefully to elect their delegates with the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Matthew Kolawole participating.

It was also observed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were on ground to witness the conduct of the congress.

The governor, however ,noted that the peaceful atmosphere that pervaded the state throughout the exercise was an indication that members of the party were united.

The governor commended members of the party for their peaceful conduct throughout the congress, charging those that lost to closely work with the winners to lift the party.

Bello added that the APC remained the party to beat in the state as his government was ready to continue to implement programmes that would make living more meaningful to the people.

Speaking on the exercise, Kolawole  said the peaceful conduct was an indication that the party is united.

The Speaker said the development showed that the party is better strategised to continue its political dominance in the state.

He also flayed report in some quarters that the congress had been canceled by the National Working Committee, saying the presence of INEC, security operatives and other political stakeholders was an indication that those peddling such rumours were out to destabilise the party by their falsehood.

However, the senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Senator Dino Melaye, has described the exercise as a charade.

Melaye in a statement issued,on  Saturday, urged the people of the state, especially APC members to disregard what he called “Kangaroo Ward congress”.

“It will be an exercise in futility. The desperation of Yahaya Bello and his monitised consciences at the National Secretariat will fail.

“All party faithfuls in Kogi no cause for alarm. We are in charge. Very soon we will separate shaft from wheat,.”he assured.