Loyalists of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have criticised the conduct of the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives and Senate primaries in Kogi State, describing the process as chaotic, controversial, and lacking transparency.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Monday, media adviser to the senator, Samuel Idoko, condemned the outcome of the primaries, stating that the events surrounding the exercise reflected poor organisation and exposed deep cracks within the ruling party.
According to Idoko, the controversies that trailed the primaries, from the House of Representatives contests to the Senate elections, have raised serious concerns about the party’s internal structure and democratic processes.
He argued that a political party occupying a leadership position should conduct its internal elections in a transparent and organised manner, noting that what unfolded in Kogi portrayed confusion, allegations of manipulation, and a lack of internal democracy.
Idoko also expressed concern over the decision of the party’s screening committee to clear former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to contest for a Senate seat despite his ongoing legal issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He described the move as surprising and disappointing, arguing that the decision further weakened the party’s image on issues of accountability and transparency.
According to him, allowing Bello to participate in the race despite unresolved corruption allegations raises questions about the APC’s commitment to integrity and good governance.
Idoko, who is contesting for a seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, said the growing dissatisfaction within the APC has created an opportunity for the opposition to gain stronger support across the state.
He maintained that the PDP has continued to attract grassroots support in Kogi East and Kogi Central and expressed confidence that the party is well-positioned to compete effectively in upcoming elections.
He further stated that residents were increasingly seeking political change and stressed that the PDP was prepared to contest for key positions ranging from Senate seats to State House of Assembly positions.
Idoko called on party supporters and residents of the state to remain united and focused ahead of future elections, assuring that the PDP remains committed to addressing what he described as poor governance and political injustice in Kogi State.
Natasha’s Loyalists Slam APC Over Kogi Primaries, Question Yahaya Bello’s Senate Clearance
