Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East Senatorial District have defended the outcome of the party’s senatorial primary held on May 20, 2026, describing it as free, fair, and credible. They urged aggrieved aspirants, particularly incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, to accept the result in the interest of party unity and agreed zoning agreement.
Speaking at a press conference, the group said the process reflected “the true spirit of democracy” and that the winning candidate emerged through the clear will of party members across the district. The stakeholders, led by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab, stated that direct voting was adopted after consensus talks among elders and party executives failed to produce an agreement.
According to the stakeholders, initial efforts at a consensus arrangement broke down due to “observable gaps and emerging concerns,” making direct primaries necessary to give all aspirants an equal chance to test their popularity and grassroots appeal among APC members.
The group commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to democratic principles, internal party discipline, and fairness within the APC. They also praised National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the National Working Committee for strengthening internal democracy in the ruling party.
At the state level, appreciation was extended to the Kogi State APC Chairman and leadership for coordinating the primaries with maturity. Special recognition went to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his influence on progressive politics in Kogi State, and to Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.
Defending the process, the APC leaders said the direct primary was conducted peacefully, without intimidation, coercion, or manipulation. They noted that party members turned out in large numbers to vote for their preferred candidates, allowing the most credible and marketable contender to emerge.
The stakeholders revealed that Senator Echocho had allegedly been informed of an existing zoning arrangement that ceded the Kogi East senatorial seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency after his two-term tenure. They said this arrangement was part of a rotational tradition aimed at fairness and balance among constituent federal constituencies.
They claimed Echocho had previously accepted the zoning deal and thanked both Bello and Ododo for supporting his two terms in the Senate. The leaders expressed surprise that he later obtained the APC nomination form and joined the race despite what they described as a gentleman’s agreement on zoning.
Despite this, the group stressed that the APC did not bar Echocho from contesting and gave him equal opportunity to test his relevance at the ballot. They argued that the primary result had now “settled the matter democratically and decisively,” and appealed to all aggrieved parties to embrace reconciliation and prioritize party unity over personal ambition.
Reaffirming confidence in the party’s strength in Kogi East, the leaders declared the district united and optimistic about delivering overwhelming support for President Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections. The statement, signed by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab on behalf of APC leaders and stakeholders in Kogi East, ended with prayers for Nigeria, Kogi State, and the party.
