Group Alleges Ododo, Bello Fueling Crisis in Kogi APC, Seeks Tinubu’s Intervention

A group operating under the banner of Kogi APC Patriots has accused Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello of engineering division within the Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement made available to journalists in Lokoja the Kogi State capital, the group expressed concern over what it described as growing internal tensions within the party, alleging that the actions of the present and former governors were capable of weakening the APC ahead of 2027 elections.

According to the group, rather than consolidating efforts towards strengthening the party and ensuring a sweeping victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in Kogi State, the duo were allegedly engaged in moves that could deepen divisions among party members.

The group particularly commended Senator Sunday Steve Karimi for what it described as his commitment to party unity and grassroots mobilization across Kogi State, including Kogi East Senatorial District.

It, however, alleged that despite Senator Karimi’s efforts to strengthen the APC, certain forces within the party leadership were working against him and other stakeholders perceived as independent-minded.

The group further lamented what it termed an alleged plot to impose an unpopular candidate on the people of Kogi East Senatorial District, instead of supporting a candidate with the popularity, political structure, and acceptability needed to secure victory for the APC.

“We are deeply concerned about the manner in which the affairs of Kogi APC are being handled by the governor and the former governor,” the statement read..

“It is worrisome that individuals like Senator Sunday Karimi, who have continued to work for the growth and stability of the APC even beyond Kogi West, are being targeted.”

The group maintained that if the objective ahead of the 2027 general elections was to secure victory for President Tinubu and the APC, then all stakeholders must work together in unity rather than pursue personal interests.

It warned that the alleged attempt to impose what it described as a “puppet candidate” in Kogi East could negatively affect the party’s electoral fortunes in the state.

The group therefore called on President Tinubu and the national leadership of the APC to urgently intervene in the affairs of the party in Kogi State in order to preserve unity, cohesion, and the confidence of party members.

According to the group, timely intervention by the party leadership would help avert a deeper crisis within the APC in Kogi State, stressing that “a stitch in time saves nine.”