A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Dr. Tim Nda Diche, has met with his senatorial coordinators across the nine local government areas of Kogi East as part of efforts to strengthen support ahead of the party’s primaries.
Addressing the coordinators at the meeting, Diche described himself as one of the founding members of the APC in Kogi State, stressing that leadership requires preparation, consistency, and perseverance.
He recalled his political journey, noting that he had contested for the House of Representatives and emerged victorious but was denied the mandate. According to him, former Governor Ibrahim Idris later appointed him Chairman of Bassa Local Government Area in recognition of his efforts.
Diche said he subsequently contested for the House of Representatives six times, vied for the governorship position, and is now aspiring for the Kogi East Senatorial seat.
“I am therefore seeking your support,” he told the coordinators.
The APC stalwart disclosed that he had consulted widely with stakeholders across the district, including representatives from the nine LGAs, members of the Kogi State House of Assembly from Kogi East, commissioners, and other political actors.
He explained that his campaign structure was operating as “one family” with the aim of changing what he described as the trend of representatives who fail to attract meaningful projects to the zone.
Diche praised the late Senator Ahmadu Ali for attracting federal institutions such as the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, and the Federal Government College, Ugwolawo, to Kogi East, describing him as a model of impactful representation.
Highlighting his experience in public service, Diche noted that he served as Commissioner for Agriculture under former Governor Yahaya Bello and recently resigned his position as Secretary of the Kogi East Leadership Engagement Committee under Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
He commended both leaders for giving minorities opportunities in governance and political participation.
According to him, his aspiration is anchored on justice, equity, fairness, and unity, particularly for minority groups in the state.
“I am the most senior contestant among others, considering my role as a founding member of the APC and my years of contesting. Bassa has been together from Benue State and remains together in Kogi. We need more unity,” he said.
Diche appealed to the majority ethnic groups in Kogi East to support a candidate from the Bassa minority, arguing that his candidacy would promote inclusiveness and strengthen unity in the state.
“One day, a governor can come from Bassa, Ibaji, or any other minority group in the state,” he added.
He urged his coordinators to intensify grassroots mobilization and secure support ahead of Monday’s House of Representatives primary and subsequent contests.
Several coordinators and stakeholders at the meeting also stressed the importance of APC membership card collection and updates, saying the process would enhance grassroots participation and ensure that only verified party members take part in the primaries.
They further advised Diche’s campaign team to work closely with ward and local government executives to ensure a smooth process across Kogi East.
