The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday conducted its House of Representatives primary elections across Kogi State, with party officials and stakeholders describing the exercise as largely peaceful, free and fair despite complaints from some areas over the late arrival and shortage of electoral materials.
The primaries were held across ward headquarters before results were expected to be collated at the various federal constituency levels. The exercise witnessed a large turnout of party members and delegates in several parts of the state.
Our correspondent, who monitored the exercise in Lokoja, Okene, Kogi and parts of Kogi West, observed impressive participation by voters and party faithful across many polling centres.
However, some party members in Abuga/Ozuja Ward in Okene Local Government Area complained about the non-availability of electoral materials, a situation they said delayed the commencement of voting. Similar complaints were also recorded in Ward 8, Mopa, where voters expressed dissatisfaction over shortages of materials.
In Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, stakeholders and delegates of the APC endorsed the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sulaiman Danladi Aguye, for a second term in office.
The endorsement exercise, held across several wards in Lokoja Local Government Area, attracted party leaders, supporters, women groups and youth organisations who gathered to demonstrate support for Aguye’s re-election bid.
Speaking at Ward B, Hon. Sunday Ohimony said the gathering was convened to reaffirm confidence in Aguye’s leadership and representation. He also commended Hon. Abdulrafiu Yakubu for promoting unity within the party.
Among prominent personalities present at the event were the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf; Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Haruna Isah; Hon. Sam Ranti Abenemi, alongside other APC leaders and stakeholders.
Addressing party members, the Speaker appreciated supporters for their loyalty to the APC and praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what he described as purposeful leadership in Kogi State.
He assured residents that APC representatives would continue to provide democratic dividends and grassroots development.
In his remarks, Hon. Aguye thanked party members and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging continued commitment to the welfare and development of the constituency.
“I sincerely appreciate members of our great party in Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency for this show of confidence. I remain committed to ensuring that our people continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy,” Aguye stated.
The lawmaker also acknowledged the support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and other APC leaders for sustaining unity within the party.
The endorsement followed Aguye’s adoption as the APC consensus candidate for Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency in line with provisions of the Electoral Act permitting consensus arrangements and direct primaries.
The exercise, held at Felele Primary School, was described by observers as peaceful, orderly and well attended.
At Ward D, former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Imam, described the exercise as a reflection of overwhelming support for Aguye’s second term ambition.
Similarly, APC leader in Ward E, Alhaji Sulaiman Abubakar Baba Yakamata, praised Governor Ododo for encouraging unity and consensus within the party.
Also speaking, the APC chairmanship candidate for the forthcoming local government elections, Hon. Alhassan Abdulrahman Gentle, commended party members for their turnout and commitment to the success of the exercise.
In Kogi East, the member representing Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency, Hon. Haruna Gowon, who emerged as the sole aspirant for the party’s ticket, was affirmed by delegates.
Meanwhile, the Executive Chairman of Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area, Hon. (Barr.) Cosmas Atabor, applauded the peaceful conduct of the APC House of Representatives primary across wards in the council area.
Speaking with journalists at a polling unit in Ajaka, Atabor described the exercise as transparent and orderly, noting that it reflected the political maturity of APC members.
“The large turnout of card-carrying members of the APC demonstrates the people’s determination to choose a representative of their choice,” he said. “This is a clear example of participatory governance in action.”
He commended party faithful for maintaining peace before, during and after the exercise and urged them to sustain the same spirit in future political activities.
Barr. Atabor also praised Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating an enabling environment for the successful conduct of the primaries across the state.
According to him, the enthusiasm displayed by party members showed their commitment to the APC and the present administration in the state.
He further urged aspirants and their supporters to accept the outcome of the exercise in good faith, stressing that leadership positions ultimately come from God.
A correspondent who monitored the exercise in several wards reported that party members began arriving at polling centres as early as 8:00 a.m. ahead of the scheduled commencement time of 9:00 a.m., highlighting the high level of interest in the primaries.
