Stakeholders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East Senatorial District have revealed how Senator Jibrin Echocho attempted to circumvent a zoning arrangement he was part of and had accepted before changing his mind later to contest primary elections.
In a press conference on Tuesday, the leaders led by Dr. Abubakar Rajab responded to allegations of irregularities in the Senate primary election of the APC which produced Ameh Joseph Erico as the candidate of the party, noting that the emergence of Erico was the clear expression of the will of party members in the district.
Echocho also alleged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was threatened by his (Echocho) third term ambition with threats of running against the Governor in the next governorship election. Echocho, stated that indeed, he will run against Governor Ododo.
However, the Kogi East leaders of the party, revealed Senator Echocho had been informed of an existing zoning arrangement which ceded the Kogi East senatorial seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency after the completion of his two-term tenure.
The arrangement, according to the leaders, was in line with an established political understanding and rotational tradition within the district aimed at promoting fairness, inclusion, political balance and peaceful coexistence among federal constituencies in the senatorial district.
They claimed Echocho had accepted the zoning arrangement and reportedly appreciated both former Governor Bello and Governor Ododo for supporting his two-term representation of Kogi East in the Senate.
The stakeholders, however, expressed shock that the senator later obtained the APC senatorial nomination form and joined the race despite what they described as a gentleman’s agreement on zoning.
Despite this, they maintained that the APC, as a democratic party, did not bar Echocho from participating in the process, insisting that he was granted equal opportunity alongside other aspirants to test his political relevance through the ballot.
“The outcome of the primary election has now settled the matter democratically and decisively,” the stakeholders declared, adding that no political structure could permanently stand against the collective will of the people.
They appealed to all aggrieved parties to embrace reconciliation, avoid bitterness and place the unity, stability and progress of the APC above personal ambitions.
Reaffirming confidence in the party’s strength in the district, the APC leaders declared that Kogi East remained united and resolute, expressing optimism that the party would deliver overwhelming support for President Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections.
The statement concluded with prayers for Nigeria, Kogi State and the APC, while reaffirming the party’s commitment to cohesion and electoral success.
