Kogi West APC Senatorial Forum Rejects Claims of Endorsing Samuel Bamidele Aro, Awaits Gov Ododo’s Directive

Leadership of the Kogi West Progressives Forum has firmly debunked viral social media claims purporting that a key local government area within the district has endorsed Mr. Samuel Bamidele Aro as the next senator, insisting that only the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, holds the final authority as the party’s leader in the state.

The denial, which came amid growing speculations ahead of the senatorial primaries, quoting some leaders to have met under Kogi West Senatorial Forum, the forum’s commitment to a unified process that respects the governor’s directive, dismissing the reports as mischievous and potentially divisive.

Kogi West comprising seven local government areas, Lokoja, Kogi (Koton-Karfe), Ijumu, Kabba, Mopa-Muro, Yagba West, and Yagba East, the expansive Kogi West senatorial district has repeatedly emphasized collective decision-making, raising eyebrows over why a single LGA, Kogi, would be singled out in what many stakeholders described as an embarrassing and isolated attempt to hijack the endorsement process.

The controversy erupted following circulating online posts attributed to few na individuals from Kogi LGA, claiming an official backing for Aro’s senatorial ambition, a development that drew swift backlash from party faithful across the zone who viewed it as premature and unauthorized. In a strongly worded rebuttal issued on behalf of the forum, Mr. Gabriel Samuel, Chairman of the Progressives Minds from Mopa-Muro LGA, alongside Yunusa Sadiq, Secretary of the Progressives Minds from Lokoja LG, categorically stated that such endorsements from “a few individuals” hold no weight whatsoever unless ratified by Governor Ododo, whose position as the APC leader in Kogi State remains sacrosanct.

“This social media rhetoric is nothing but mischief designed to embarrass our party and the good people of Kogi West; no single LGA or group can impose a candidate on the zone without the governor’s consideration,” Mr. Samuel declared, echoing sentiments from other stakeholders, including voices from other LGAs in the zone who questioned the rationale behind spotlighting Kogi LGA in a zone-wide selection process that demands broader consultation.

As political gladiators position themselves for the APC primaries in Kogi West, the forum’s intervention serves as a reminder of the party’s hierarchical structure, where the governor’s nod is pivotal in zoning and candidate selection, particularly in a district known for its delicate ethnic and political balances.

Party insiders told our correspondent that the leadership’s unified stance aims to forestall intra-party crises, urging all aspirants, including Mr. Aro, to await official directives rather than relying on unverified online narratives.

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Efforts to reach Mr. Samuel Bamidele Aro for comments on the development were unsuccessful at press time, while APC chieftains in Lokoja hinted at an emergency meeting to further harmonize positions ahead of Governor Ododo’s anticipated guidance.