A concerned group from the Upopuvete Clan in Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State has appealed to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello, and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intervene in what it described as a breach of due process in the selection of a candidate for the Adavi West State Constituency.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group commended the state leadership for zoning the House of Assembly seat to the Upopuvete Clan, acknowledging the decision as fair and capable of promoting unity and inclusion, particularly for the Adavi-Eba Ward, which it said had long faced marginalisation.
However, the group expressed concern that the process established by party leaders to ensure transparency and consensus may have been undermined. It alleged that no formal meeting had been convened by the clan or at the ward level to deliberate on or agree upon a consensus candidate.
According to the statement, the emergence of a candidate through the issuance of a nomination form outside the known process has raised questions about fairness and adherence to agreed procedures.
“To the best of our knowledge, no meeting has been convened by the Upopuvete Clan to deliberate or agree on a consensus candidate. Likewise, no formal consultation or aspirants’ meeting has been held at the ward level under the guidance of our political leaders.
“Despite this, it has come to our notice that a nomination form has been issued to an individual outside the known and accepted process. This development raises serious concerns about fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for due process,” the statement said.
The group explained that the Upopuvete Clan is made up of four sub-clans—Ajemora, Ibadi, Okoro, and Emani—in order of seniority, noting that eight aspirants have so far indicated interest in the seat, with Ajemora producing the highest number.
It argued that, based on the principle of seniority and the zoning template, the candidate should emerge from the Ajemora sub-clan, being the eldest, to ensure equity and sustain unity within the clan.
The group warned that any deviation from the established arrangement could create tension and undermine cohesion, with possible implications for the electoral fortunes of the APC in the area.
It therefore urged Governor Ododo, Bello, and party stakeholders in Adavi LGA to investigate the development and restore a transparent, inclusive process that would produce a widely accepted candidate.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, and the success of the APC, while calling for fairness and justice in the conduct of the selection process.
