Kogi: Consider grassroots interests in NASS primaries, APC group urges Tinubu

A coalition of stakeholders within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the party’s National Assembly primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections reflect the preferences of grassroots members.

The group, known as Concerned APC Leaders, made the appeal in a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by its Secretary, Hon. Mohammed Tijani.

In the statement, the stakeholders urged the President to ignore advice from various party leaders, including Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Hon. Leke Abejide, when decisions concerning the party’s future electoral strategy are being made.

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The group claimed that some of the recommendations being advanced regarding the forthcoming primaries may not align with the views of a broad spectrum of party members across the state.

According to the stakeholders, candidates who currently enjoy significant grassroots support should be given a fair opportunity to participate in the party’s selection process.

“We believe the President should rely on extensive consultations and objective assessments of candidates’ popularity and acceptability among party members and the electorate,” the statement said.

The group further argued that the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections would be strengthened by a transparent and inclusive primary process that accommodates diverse interests within the party.

The stakeholders expressed concern that any perception of favoritism or exclusion could create dissatisfaction among party members and affect unity ahead of the elections.

They maintained that several of the aspirants being discussed for National Assembly positions have established political structures and support bases that could contribute to the party’s electoral success.

The Concerned APC Leaders therefore called on President Tinubu and the APC national leadership to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along in the decision-making process and that the party’s internal democratic principles are upheld.

The group added that preserving unity and confidence in the party’s primary process would strengthen the APC’s position in Kogi State and enhance its prospects in the 2027 general elections.

The Kogi APC group urged party leaders, elected officials and aspirants to work together in the interest of the ruling party and avoid actions that could deepen divisions within the party.