Emmanuel Clement
A political group, Kogi East APC Justice Vanguard, has launched a strong criticism of the Honourable Minister for Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, accusing him of attempting to turn the political structure of Kogi East into a family-controlled enterprise following the recently concluded APC senatorial primary election.
In a communiqué issued on Wednesday and signed by its spokesman, Comrade Musa Ameh, the group described the Kogi East APC primary election as free, fair, transparent, and credible, insisting that the outcome reflected the genuine wishes of party members across the district.
The group alleged that attacks against the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State only intensified after the Minister’s preferred candidate failed to emerge victorious in the contest.
According to the statement, some political actors who once benefited from the party’s democratic process have suddenly become critics of internal democracy simply because the outcome no longer favoured them.
“It’s ironic and unfortunate that individuals who benefited from fairness and due process yesterday have suddenly become opponents of internal democracy simply because the outcome no longer favours them,” the communiqué stated.
The Vanguard further alleged that there was an attempt to turn Kogi East politics into what it described as “a family estate,” noting that Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu is already serving as Minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration while Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho has also remained a major beneficiary of the party’s political opportunities.
The group also referenced the relationship between the Minister and the family of the sitting senator, alleging that political influence was being concentrated within a narrow circle.
It maintained that the APC’s democratic process had previously produced Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho as the party’s candidate in both 2019 and 2023 without opposition from stakeholders across the district.
The group accused certain interests of sponsoring media attacks and political propaganda aimed at discrediting the Kogi State APC leadership and creating division within Kogi East.
Backing Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the group commended the governor for remaining neutral throughout the process and allowing party members to decide freely without interference.
“The Governor has demonstrated maturity, fairness, and respect for democratic choices. He shouldn’t be vilified for allowing the people to speak through a credible process,” the statement added.
The Kogi East APC Justice Vanguard reaffirmed its loyalty to the party leadership in the state and stressed the need for unity ahead of future elections.
However, it warned that any attempt to manipulate or overturn the outcome of the primary election could destabilise the peace within the zone and deepen political divisions.
“The people of Kogi East have spoken clearly, and their voices must be respected,” the group concluded.