2027 : Kogi coalition demands West senatorial slot to Lokoja/ Kogi constituency , warns against imposition
A coalition under the aegis of Lokoja / Kogi youth organizations from the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency has appeal to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure a level playing field for all senatorial aspirants vying for the Kogi West APC Senatorial ticket.
This call comes amidst growing speculations of an alleged plan by the party to impose a preferred candidate for the highly contested position, a move that the youth groups feared it could jeopardize party unity and regional tranquility.
The spokesperson for the concerned coalition, Honorable Maiyaki Aliyu Bala, addressed journalists on Thursday, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of their media conference.
He highlighted the pervasive rumors circulating within political circles, suggesting that the APC leadership might be contemplating an imposition of a candidate, thereby overriding the democratic aspirations and interests of other qualified senatorial hopefuls in the zone.
Bala articulated the youth’s apprehension, stating that such a move would not only be undemocratic but also potentially divisive, risking significant internal strife within the party ranks. The coalition believes that a fair and transparent primary election is paramount to upholding the integrity of the party and ensuring that the most suitable candidate, with genuine grassroots support, emerges to represent the Kogi West senatorial district.
During the press briefing, the youth spokesperson provided a detailed statistical overview of the senatorial seat’s occupancy over the years. pointing out that the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency has only had the opportunity to hold the senatorial seat for a mere eight years, spread across two terms since the inception of the current democratic dispensation.
This historical context underscores their deep-seated concerns regarding equitable representation.
In stark contrast to Lokoja/Kogi’s limited tenure, Bala revealed that the Okun part of the western Senatorial district has consistently rotated the senatorial seat among its federal consciences for an extensive period of nineteen years. This significant disparity in representation he said continue to fueled the current agitation from the youth, who felt marginalisation of their constituency.
According to the spokesperson “The coalition’s primary objective in making this public plea is to foster a sense of fairness and justice within the APC. They advocate for a system where all aspirants are given an equal chance to present their vision and programs to the party delegates and the wider electorate, without any form of preferential treatment or backroom dealings that could compromise the electoral process.
Furthermore, the youth groups stressed that allowing a level playing ground would significantly bolster internal democracy within the APC, demonstrating the party’s commitment to its foundational principles.
This transparency, they argue, would not only strengthen the party’s standing among its members but also enhance its credibility in the eyes of the general public ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The young leaders warned that any attempt to impose a candidate could lead to widespread discontent and potentially trigger anti-party activities, which would ultimately undermine the APC’s chances of success in the general elections. They reminded the party leadership of the importance of grassroots engagement and the critical role of youth in mobilizing support during election campaigns.
In their concluding remarks, the coalition appealed to the conscience of the APC National and state leadership, urging them to prioritize the collective interest of the party and the people of Kogi West over any individual ambitions. They called for an urgent intervention to address these concerns and to ensure that the selection process for the senatorial candidate is conducted in an open, fair, and credible manner.
The youth organizations reiterated their commitment to peace and unity, asserting that their demand is solely aimed at promoting justice and equity within the party.
They expressed optimism that the APC leadership would heed their call and take decisive steps to prevent any actions that could destabilize the party structure or disenfranchise deserving aspirants in the Kogi West senatorial district.
