Ankpa APC Stakeholders Adopt Unity Resolution, Direct Aspirants to Declare Ambitions at Ward Level »

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State have reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and grassroots political mobilization, following a strategic meeting convened to deliberate on the party’s internal affairs and future electoral prospects.

The meeting, held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the Lokoja residence of Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, brought together party leaders, elders, and key stakeholders from across Ankpa Local Government Area. It was aimed at strengthening internal cohesion within the party and establishing clear procedures for aspirants ahead of forthcoming political contests.

In his opening remarks, the APC Chairman in Ankpa Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammed Salihu Jibril, welcomed participants and commended stakeholders for honoring the invitation. He described the gathering as an important platform for open and constructive discussions on issues affecting the party in Ankpa.

According to him, the meeting was convened to address pressing concerns within the party and to encourage members to engage in deliberations with a spirit of unity and collective responsibility. He emphasized that the resolutions reached should ultimately strengthen harmony, cooperation, and mutual understanding among party faithful.

Delivering his welcome address, the Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Engr. Mohammed Ademu Yahaya, expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their attendance, describing every participant as a vital stakeholder in the APC.

He stated that the primary objective of the meeting was to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity among party members, stressing that past misunderstandings within the party should not be allowed to create divisions going forward.

Engr. Yahaya noted that the APC remains a broad-based political platform with a strong support base across the state and should therefore never be taken for granted. He urged members to return to their respective wards and intensify grassroots mobilization in line with the directive of the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

Providing further insight into the purpose of the gathering, the host, Professor Salisu Usman Ogbo, commended stakeholders for their attendance and acknowledged the strong political presence of the APC in Ankpa Local Government Area, which he described as one of the most politically vibrant areas within the federal constituency.

He, however, expressed concern that persistent internal disagreements and unhealthy rivalries among political actors had in the past slowed the pace of development in the area.

Prof. Ogbo therefore stressed the need for renewed unity among party members, noting that the issues that previously caused divisions had now been addressed and that stakeholders should collectively embrace a new path of cooperation and development.

He urged members to always place the development of Ankpa Local Government Area above personal interests, emphasizing that unity within the party would position the APC to achieve greater electoral success.

Prof. Ogbo also appreciated the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for prioritizing developmental interventions in Ankpa, particularly the ongoing erosion control efforts aimed at addressing severe environmental challenges threatening parts of the local government.

He noted that with unity and coordinated political efforts, the APC would be well positioned to secure victory in future elections, adding that the experiences of the 2019 and 2023 elections should serve as important lessons for stakeholders.

According to him, preparations for future electoral contests must begin early. He therefore urged party members to commence grassroots mobilization in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 elections.

Prof. Ogbo further clarified that neither he nor other party stakeholders possess the authority to impose candidates, stressing that the party would continue to operate in line with democratic principles and grassroots participation.

He advised all interested aspirants to return to their respective wards to formally declare their political ambitions through their ward chairmen and leaders, who would subsequently communicate such declarations to the Local Government APC Chairman and other relevant stakeholders.

He added that the party must prioritize credible and electable candidates with the capacity to win elections and deliver effective representation and good governance to the people.

Prof. Ogbo also reminded members that the immediate political focus should be on the forthcoming National Assembly contests, particularly the House of Representatives and Senate elections, urging stakeholders to redouble their mobilization efforts.

Several speakers at the meeting, including Rt. Hon. Rabiu Ishaka Alfa and other party leaders, also called for sustained unity, peace, and cooperation among APC stalwarts in Ankpa Local Government Area. They emphasized the importance of presenting credible and widely acceptable candidates capable of delivering electoral victory for the party.

Similarly, the Zonal Organising Secretary of the APC, Hon. Musa Ishaka, reiterated the need for continued unity and internal cohesion within the party while congratulating members of the Kogi State APC Executive Committee for their efforts in strengthening party structures across the state.

At the end of deliberations, the stakeholders adopted the following resolutions:
That Ankpa Local Government Area remains open to any of the National Assembly seats that may be zoned to the Ankpa Federal Constituency.
That all aspirants must return to their respective wards to formally declare their political ambitions through their ward chairmen and stakeholders, who will subsequently communicate such declarations to the Local Government APC Chairman and other critical stakeholders.
That in view of the limited time available, a 48-hour window was approved for all intending aspirants to formally declare their ambitions through the appropriate ward structures.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their collective commitment to strengthening unity within the APC and working collaboratively to ensure the party’s success in future electoral contests.

The meeting was attended by several party leaders and stakeholders, including Engr. Mohammed Ademu Yahaya, Executive Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area; Hon. Musa Ishaka, Zonal Organising Secretary of the APC; Rt. Hon. Rabiu Ishaka Alfa; Hon. Lawal Akus; Hon. Abbas Linco; Hajiya Rabi Haruna; Hon. Mohammed Ayuba; Hon. Ahmed Mohammed; Hon. Ibrahim Abagwu; Hon. Hauwa Aduku; Hon. Dauda Khadija; Hon. Muhammed Salisu Jibril, APC Chairman, Ankpa LGA; Hon. Martins Moses; Hon. Sanni Musa; Hon. Victor Akati Stephen; Hon. Abdul Wahab Bello; Hon. Abdul Haruna; Hon. Lenten Sadiq; Hon. Fatimeti Suleiman; Hon. Muhammed Aishatu; Amadu Hajara; Mercy Negedu; Abubakar Musa Mohammed; Lawal Jimoh, ward chairmen, and the 13 councillors, among others.

Compiled by Abdulkadir Bin Abdulmalik