Kogi APC Stakeholders Reject Claims Of Halims’ Consensus Endorsement

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency have dismissed reports claiming that the member representing the constituency, Abdullahi Ibrahim Halims, was unanimously endorsed for a third term in office.

The group described the purported endorsement as misleading and without the backing of party members across the constituency, insisting that no collective decision had been reached in support of the lawmaker.

In a statement issued on Saturday on behalf of the stakeholders, Muhammad Hamza said the alleged stakeholders’ meeting held in Lokoja did not have the participation or approval of several prominent party leaders and key stakeholders from Ankpa, Omala and Olamaboro local government areas.

According to the statement, although the group initially intended to ignore what it termed “political theatrics and propaganda,” it decided to respond in order to correct what it said was a false impression being created before the public.

The stakeholders maintained that available information showed there was no endorsement of Halims by party stakeholders across the federal constituency, noting that only a handful of individuals from Ankpa reportedly expressed support for the lawmaker during the gathering.

They further claimed that a number of participants at the meeting openly demanded a transparent and credible APC primary election before leaving the venue, insisting that no aspirant should be imposed on the constituency against the wishes of party members and constituents.

“We therefore reject in its entirety the false narrative being circulated to create the impression of a unanimous endorsement,” the statement read.

The group also alleged that some persons listed as attendees had publicly dissociated themselves from the meeting and denied endorsing any aspirant.

It added that the constituency needed fresh ideas, inclusive leadership and more effective grassroots representation.

The stakeholders further criticised what they described as “media propaganda, social media noise and audio empowerment,” which they claimed had failed to make meaningful impact on the people of the constituency.

They challenged supporters of aspirants to allow their performance and achievements speak for themselves rather than relying on endorsement meetings and political pressure.

The group also called on the APC leadership at all levels to provide a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the forthcoming elections.