An Open Letter To APC Leadership in Kogi State on the Purported Endorsement of Dr Joseph Ameh Erico as Consensus Candidate for Senate in 2027 Elections
The attention of Idah Federal Constituency Youth Integrity Group of Nigeria has been drawn to a a Statement by a stakeholder of the All Progressives Congress, APC, from Kogi East , Mr Nasir Alfa from Ejule who is also the Director General, task force on illegal arms and light weapons, endorsing the candidature of Dr JOSEPH AMEH ERICO as the only Senatorial candidate for Kogi East.
The Statement which has gone viral on social media platforms, is already generating serious heat and tension ahead of the 2027 general elections in the State.
It is important to note that
the success of the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in all the positions is sacrosanct, which is why every step must be taken to cross the Ts and dot the Is, though we commend the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its commitment to inclusive governance and political stability as well as equity and good governance in Kogi State, which should be sustained.
Having said this, it is important to stress that as the 2027 general elections draw closer, the role of leadership is imperative, particularly in guiding the internal democratic processes of the party which will go along way in ensuring success of the party at all levels.
While concensus is acceptable under the new electoral law, such consensus must genuinely reflect the popular will and interests of the majority of the people or members in such a manner that if properly applied, could foster unity, reduce intra-party conflicts as well as enhance the party’s chances in the elections.
At this juncture, let it be clear that the so called message of Alfa to a stage managed group does not portray the leadership of the APC in good light, especially when considering the magnitude of the message or content itself.
One, that in a Senatorial District where there is a sitting Deputy Governor, State Auditor General, Commissioners, Special Advisers and other high ranking party officials, Alfa should not have been sent to deliver such weighty message, if his claim is true to an extent or anything to go by.
Equally, the party leadership should be conscious of those bent at selling the various positions if given the opportunity, and this is where the party must shine its Eagle eyes to ensure that tickets are never sold to the highest bidder as the consequences could be so grievous, both now and later. This is important as reports indicate that the said Alfa has already collected millions of Naira from Dr Erico in order to navigate his ways, either by hook or crook.
Obviously, past experiences show that where consensus is manipulated or imposed without having the widest consultation, it could lead to internal political crises, and basically bring about electoral defeat – This is why APC leadership must take note and learn certain lessons form the past.
Furthermore, the leadership of the party should be conscious of the various aspirants and their followers, the right zoning to be agreed upon, bearing in mind that the people at the grassroots are in the best position to say who is best fit and for what position, as this attests to why it is most important to have wider consultations and stakeholders engagement in order to take the best position.
Happily, the Office of the APC Zonal Chairman, Kogi East, on behalf of APC members in Kogi East, has swiftly clarified the reports alleging that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have endorsed an individual for elective position for the 2027 general elections.
The APC Zonal Chairman, Kogi East, Hon. Abdul Ogwu Alhassan, in the disclaimer, urged the general public—particularly APC faithfuls in Kogi East to disregard the statement reportedly made at the gathering held on Monday, stressing that it does not reflect the position of the party.
”For the avoidance of doubt, the gathering in question was strictly an Easter celebration. Dr. Ameh Erico hosted some APC members and FAWWASS members in the spirit of the season, and at no point was the event intended to serve as a platform for political endorsement.
Furthermore, the APC in Kogi State operates through established structures and due process. As it stands, our supreme leader, former Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello; the Chief Servant of Kogi State, Executive Governor of Kogi State, the man of humility, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo ; and other critical stakeholders of the party in Kogi East have not endorsed any aspirant nor issued any directive regarding the 2027 electios”, the statement read in part.
It maintained that the party’s leadership has not endorsed any individual for any elective position ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging all APC aspirants to continue their consultations within the framework of the party’s constitution and guidelines.
The statement therefore, enjoined the public to disregard such misleading claims, statements, or videos circulating on social media suggesting otherwise.
Consequent on the above, We are also drawing the attention of the APC leadership to our earlier letter on the need to zone Kogi East Senatorial seat to Idah Federal Constituency having neglected the zone for so long thereby making them a slave in their own land – We assure you once again that if anything contrary is done, the results of the Senatorial election shall be concluded before twelve noon on the election day and must be in our favour.
The Governor, His Excellency, His Deputy, other APC critical stakeholders should and must listen to this voice of reasoning !
We say enough is enough.
Finally, we urge the APC leadership to call Alfa and his cohorts to order, let them work within the ambits of their official responsibilities rather than generating crises as a result of peanut, ignoring the fact that integrity should be the watchword of any responsible leader, irrespective of the level or circumstances therein.
We want to assure the APC leadership that if our appeal do not pay on deaf ears, it will be jolly jolly for all of us !
Thanks.
Yours faithfully,
Comr. Simon Uloko Amana
Forum Chairman
Alhaji Ichaba Junior
Forum Secretary
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