Baring any last minute change in decisions, everything is set for the smooth conduct of House of Representatives primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to mark the beginning of electing the flag bearer of the party for various positions across the country.
By the schedule of activities of the APC, the process begins today with the Federal Constituencies, and to end in next weeks with appeals and reconciliations included.
In Kogi State, our Correspondent has noted from opinion polls that the primary election for Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency has garnered the attention of stakeholders and onlookers alike, as the incumbent, Tijani Ahmed Ozigi has vowed to see it to the end and not yield to stepping down for anyone.
The political battle for the ticket, according to sources, has now been drawn between him and Sanni Salau Ogembe, a strong contender reportedly running with the backing of the administration in the state.
Before defecting to the APC, Ogembe was the Reps candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, whence he lost to Ozigi.
Thus, barely 24 hours to the election, while addressing his teeming supporters at his Okene home, Ozigi told them to dust their membership cards, mobilize themselves to prove their numbers at the primary polls.
He also assured of his victory at the primary election and the 2027 general elections.
His resolve and confidence may have truncated the bid by the Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo led administration to field a consensus candidate from his Constituency.
With all eyes on the primary election of the Governor’s federal constituency, the electoral committee deployed to Kogi State from the National secretariat arrived on Friday and successfully distributed election materials to returning officers.
The committee led by Prof. Lawal Samaila Abdullahi assured stakeholders and members of the party of a fair, transparent, and credible process.
According to Prof. Abdullahi, while the party is prepared to conduct direct primaries, any consensus arrangement mutually agreed upon by contestants would also be accepted in line with party guidelines.
He described Kogi as an enlightened and strategic state, noting its unique position as a gateway connecting the Federal Capital Territory and several states across the country.
He stated that the committee is committed to conducting the primaries on the basis of justice, transparency, and fairness to ensure a credible outcome acceptable to all party members.
The committee chairman commended the Local Organising Committee for its support and called on local government council chairmen, party stakeholders, and members across the wards to cooperate with the committee by ensuring peaceful and successful primaries.
He further urged party members participating in the direct primaries to make wise choices, assuring aspirants and stakeholders of a level playing field.
