After Primary Defeat: APC Suspends Senator Echocho Over Anti-Party Activities

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Odu Ward 2 of Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State, has suspended Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, who represents Kogi East Senatorial District, over alleged anti-party activities, days after his defeat in the party’s primary election.

The suspension followed a resolution reached by the Ward Executive Committee at a meeting held on May 26, 2026, according to party sources.

In a suspension letter signed by the Ward Chairman, Shaibu Mohammed; Secretary, Kabiru Mohammed; and other executives, the APC accused Senator Echocho of engaging in actions that could undermine the unity and stability of the party after losing his re-election bid.

The ward leadership alleged that the senator held meetings and consultations with opposition figures and was planning to leave the party following what it described as his “rejection by the party and the people” over an alleged third-term ambition.

The letter said the party could no longer tolerate actions it considered harmful to its electoral strength and internal cohesion in Kogi East.

It also accused Echocho of working against the APC despite serving on its platform for eight years as senator representing the district.

Party officials further alleged that the senator failed to deliver his polling unit during the 2019 and 2023 governorship elections and did not provide strong leadership during key political contests in the state.

Speaking after the suspension was announced, APC chieftain Mallam Nasiru Musa said the decision was necessary to protect the party’s integrity and future in the area.

“After his defeat at the APC primary election, Senator Echocho’s actions became more troubling and openly confrontational to the party. The APC cannot continue to accommodate individuals who work against its collective interest simply because their personal ambitions were not realized,” Musa said.

He added that the senator’s performance over the past eight years had not met the expectations of many constituents in Kogi East.

Some stakeholders and party members in the district commended the ward executives for what they described as a bold move aimed at enforcing discipline and unity within the APC.

The suspension letter stated that the action would serve as a warning to other members whose conduct may threaten the party’s cohesion and electoral strength in Kogi State.