The behavior of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the results of its House of Representatives and Senate primaries in Kogi State have been called a major embarrassment by supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.
Speaking with reporters in Abuja, Senator Natasha’s media adviser, Samuel Idoko, reportedly claimed that the election process was ill-run and hostile.
Idoko emphasized that the post-primary turmoil had revealed the ruling party’s disarray and lack of readiness to continue governing the state.
“The irregularities seen during the APC primaries, from the House of Representatives elections down to the Senate primaries, are a huge embarrassment to a party that claims to be the ruling party,” he stated. Confusion, deceit, and a lack of internal democracy are what Kogites and Nigerians have witnessed.
Citing ongoing corruption proceedings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Idoko also expressed shock and disappointment at the APC screening committee’s decision to approve former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello to run for the Senate.
“The most shocking aspect is the clearance given to former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is currently facing serious corruption cases with the EFCC, to run for Senate,” he said. It seriously damages the APC’s reputation and makes it quite evident that the party does not value responsibility.
Idoko, who is also running on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) platform for a seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly, claimed that his party’s chances in the state had increased due to rising discontent within the APC.
He pointed out that the PDP was prepared to run for important seats in the State House of Assembly and the Senate and was garnering support at the local level in Kogi East and Kogi Central.
“All these developments are benefits for the PDP,” he continued. The populace is weary and eager for change. The PDP is well-positioned to gain seats in the State House of Assembly and the Senate in Kogi East and Kogi Central.
Idoko emphasized that the PDP was dedicated to saving the state from poor governance and political injustice and urged party supporters and locals to be united before the elections.
