APC Primaries: Yagba Leaders Defend Election Outcome, Back Abejide

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and elected officials from Yagba Federal Constituency have expressed support for the emergence of Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

The stakeholders said the outcome of the party’s primary election reflected the choice of APC members in the constituency.

In a statement signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo; Chairman of Yagba West Local Government and ALGON Chairman in Kogi State, Hon. Tosin Olokun; Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, Hon. Dare Joshua; Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government, Hon. Ademola Bello; among others, the stakeholders urged party members to respect the outcome of the primary election.

Speaking under the platform of the Leke Abejide Support Group (LASG), the leaders rejected criticisms surrounding Abejide’s emergence and described efforts to challenge the outcome as attempts to question the decision reached through the party’s internal democratic process.

The group also dismissed allegations that there had been efforts to extend the lawmaker’s tenure, stating that Abejide participated in the APC primary election and secured the party’s ticket through the process.

According to the stakeholders, Abejide’s candidacy emerged from the support he received from party members across the constituency.

They argued that some of those challenging the outcome had supported other aspirants during the primary election and called on party members to accept the result.

The group further contended that arguments based on zoning and rotational arrangements should not override the constitutional rights of eligible citizens to contest elections or the right of voters to choose their preferred representatives.

According to the statement, the Constitution does not impose term limits on members of the National Assembly and does not prevent qualified Nigerians from seeking elective office.

“Democracy is not about excluding a candidate because of where he comes from. Democracy is about allowing the people to decide who is best suited to represent their interests,” the group stated.

The stakeholders also cited several programmes and projects undertaken during Abejide’s tenure, including scholarship schemes, empowerment initiatives, infrastructure projects, and community development grants.

They argued that these initiatives have contributed to the support he enjoys in parts of the constituency.

The group maintained that voters are increasingly focused on issues of governance, performance, and service delivery.

Calling for unity within the party, the stakeholders urged members and supporters to avoid actions that could deepen divisions following the primary election.

They insisted that the party’s democratic process had produced a winner and should be respected by all concerned.

“The party members have spoken. The people have spoken. Democracy has spoken, and its verdict deserves respect,” the statement added.

End.