Peaceful APC LG Congress in Kogi

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 8am to participate in the exercise, which involved all card carrying members of the party.

Also in Kabba/Bunu local government area, the 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 strategized to continue its political dominance in the state.

He also flay report in some quarters that the congress had been cancelled 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.

Announcing the result for Kabba/Bunu LGA, the returning officer, Babalola Fabunmi announced Mr. Jerry Omodara, Bamidele Joloko and Grace Obamo as elected delegates.

Also in Lokoja LGA APC Congress result, Adoga Ibrahim pulled 96 votes; Yabagi Aliyu 75; Hajiya Fatima Aliyu 89 to defeat two others as elected delegates.

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”.

His words, “It will be an exercise in futility. The desperation of Yahaya Bello and his monetised 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.”