The Kogi East APC Justice Vanguard has accused the Minister for Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, of sponsoring media attacks against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State following the recently concluded Kogi East Senatorial Primary Election.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesman, Comrade Musa Ameh, the group described the primary election as “free, fair, transparent and credible,” insisting that the exercise reflected the genuine wishes of party members across the senatorial district.
The group alleged that the attacks on the party leadership began after the Minister’s preferred candidate failed to emerge victorious in the primary election. It accused some political actors of attempting to discredit the same democratic process that had previously favoured them.
According to the communiqué, the APC’s internal democratic process had produced Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho as the party’s candidate in both 2019 and 2023 without opposition from stakeholders in Kogi East.
“It is ironic and unfortunate that individuals who benefitted from fairness and due process yesterday have suddenly become opponents of internal democracy simply because the outcome no longer favours them,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that there were attempts to turn the political structure of Kogi East into what it termed “a family enterprise,” noting that Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu currently serves as a Minister in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has also remained a major beneficiary of the party.
It also claimed that the crisis within the party was being fueled by desperation to retain political dominance within a narrow circle, warning against attempts to intimidate party leadership or manipulate the outcome of the primary election through media campaigns.
The communiqué condemned what it described as the use of “media minions and political jobbers” to attack the integrity of the Kogi State APC leadership and create division within Kogi East.
The group, however, commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for what it described as his neutrality and commitment to allowing party members freely choose their candidates without interference.
“The Governor has demonstrated maturity, fairness, and respect for democratic choices. He should not be vilified for allowing the people to speak through a credible process,” the communiqué added.
Reaffirming its loyalty to the APC leadership in Kogi State, the Kogi East APC Justice Vanguard stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of future political contests.
The group also warned that any attempt to tamper with the outcome of the primary election could threaten peace in the senatorial district.
“Any attempt by powerful interests to manipulate or subvert the will of the people could trigger avoidable political unrest and deepen divisions within the zone,” the statement warned.
The communiqué concluded by insisting that “the people of Kogi East have spoken clearly, and their voice must be respected.”
