Kogi East ADC Stakeholders Reject Consensus Arrangement, Demand Direct Primaries

Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi East have rejected the ongoing consensus arrangement for selecting candidates ahead of forthcoming elections, describing the process as fraudulent and capable of weakening the party’s chances at the polls.

In a statement issued in Idah and signed by the group’s spokesperson, Alhaji Mohammed Adaji, the stakeholders alleged that the consensus move was being driven through what they described as a “clandestine Abuja-based settlement” aimed at imposing preferred candidates on the party.

The group claimed the arrangement was designed to favour associates of former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba, at the expense of internal democracy within the party.

According to the stakeholders, there were indications that “weak and compromised” candidates were being positioned to pave the way for an easy victory for the ruling All Progressives Congress in the elections.

“It is a known fact that certain leaders imposed on the party by the former deputy governor have already handpicked candidates who are prepared to do their bidding, including the possibility of outright withdrawal from the race to favour APC candidates,” the statement alleged.

The stakeholders also cited the recent violence that reportedly disrupted a meeting of the Idah/Ofu/Ibaji/Igala Mela-Odolu Federal Constituency in Idah, warning that the development could signal a deeper crisis within the party if the consensus arrangement is not abandoned.

They called for the adoption of direct primaries, insisting that only a transparent process would preserve unity and credibility within the party structure in Kogi East.

Adaji further alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to weaken the ADC in the region in order to hand the ruling party an advantage in future elections.

The group appealed to notable political leaders, including Tunde Ogbeha, Bolaji Abdullahi and former Senate President David Mark, to intervene and address the growing tension within the party before it escalates further.

The stakeholders maintained that the ADC’s growing support base in Kogi East was largely driven by feelings of marginalisation among residents under the current administration, warning party leaders against actions capable of undermining the confidence of supporters.