20/05/2026
Kogi East APC Leaders Defend Primary Outcome, Urge Echocho to Accept Result.
Stakeholders cite zoning deal, call for unity after May 20 senatorial primary.
The Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East Senatorial District have defended the outcome of the party’s senatorial primary election held on May 20, 2026, insisting the exercise was free, fair and credible.
At a press conference yesterday, the group urged aggrieved aspirants, particularly incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, to accept the result in the interest of party unity.
Speaking for the stakeholders, Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab said the process reflected “the true spirit of democracy,” with the winning candidate emerging as the clear expression of party members’ will across the district. He explained that the direct primary was adopted after consultations among elders, executives, and opinion leaders failed to produce a consensus arrangement.
“Observable gaps and emerging concerns made it necessary to adopt direct primaries to provide all aspirants equal opportunity to test their popularity, grassroots appeal and political acceptability,” Rajab stated.
The stakeholders commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to democratic principles, and praised APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda and the National Working Committee for strengthening internal democracy. They also acknowledged Kogi State APC Chairman and leadership for coordinating a peaceful process, alongside former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for ensuring a level playing field.
According to the group, the direct primary was conducted peacefully, without intimidation or manipulation, and saw massive turnout.
“The voices of party members resonated louder than the whispers of political convenience,” they said, noting that democracy allowed the most credible and marketable candidate to emerge.
The conference took a dramatic turn when the leaders revealed that Senator Echocho had allegedly been informed of an existing zoning arrangement ceding the Kogi East seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency after his two-term tenure. They claimed Echocho had earlier accepted the arrangement and appreciated Bello and Ododo for supporting his time in office.
Despite this, the stakeholders said Echocho obtained the nomination form and contested the primary. They maintained the APC did not bar him, granting him equal opportunity to test his relevance at the ballot.
“The outcome of the primary election has now settled the matter democratically and decisively,” the group declared, adding that no structure could override the collective will of the people.
They appealed to all aggrieved parties to embrace reconciliation, avoid bitterness, and place APC unity and progress above personal ambitions. The leaders reaffirmed confidence that Kogi East remains united and resolute in delivering support for President Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections.
The statement was signed by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab on behalf of APC leaders and stakeholders in Kogi East Senatorial District.
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