Emmanuel ClementÂ
Leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East Senatorial District have defended the outcome of the recently concluded senatorial primary election, describing the process as free, fair and credible.
The primary election saw the incumbent senator representing Kogi East and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Customs, Jibrin Isah Echocho, lose his reelection bid.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday, stakeholders of the party in the district insisted that the exercise reflected the true spirit of democracy and urged aggrieved aspirants to accept the outcome in the interest of party unity.
The stakeholders, led by Dr. Abubakar Y. Rajab, explained that the direct primary election followed extensive consultations among party elders, executives, opinion leaders and other stakeholders across Kogi East.
According to them, although efforts were initially made to adopt a consensus arrangement, concerns raised during consultations made it necessary to conduct direct primaries to give all aspirants equal opportunity to test their popularity and grassroots support among APC members.
They maintained that the exercise was conducted peacefully without intimidation, coercion or manipulation, adding that party members freely exercised their democratic rights by voting for candidates of their choice.
The group stated that the outcome of the election clearly reflected the will of APC members across the district, noting that the most acceptable and politically marketable candidate emerged victorious.
The stakeholders also revealed that Senator Echocho had earlier been informed about the zoning arrangement which reportedly ceded the senatorial seat to Ankpa Federal Constituency after the completion of his two-term tenure.
They explained that the arrangement was in line with the longstanding rotational understanding within Kogi East aimed at promoting fairness, inclusion and political balance among the constituent federal constituencies.
The APC leaders further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting democratic principles, internal party discipline, justice and fairness within the ruling party.
They also praised APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, members of the National Working Committee, the Kogi State APC leadership, former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello and Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo for ensuring a level playing field during the primaries.
Calling for reconciliation among party members, the stakeholders urged all aggrieved persons to avoid bitterness and place the unity and progress of the APC above personal interests.
They reaffirmed confidence in the strength of the party in Kogi East and expressed optimism that the district would continue to support President Tinubu and APC candidates in future elections.