Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District have stated that the outcome of the APC primary election in the zone must be respected, warning against any attempt to substitute its candidature.
Addressing journalists in Lokoja yesterday, the group under the aegis of Kogi West APC Leaders Forum, maintained that the party’s senatorial candidate, Hon Samuel Bamidele Aro, emerged as the valid winner of the APC senatorial primary through a transparent and duly concluded electoral process and reaffirmed their support for the candidate.
According to the forum, both the APC Primary Election Committee and the party’s Appeal Committee upheld Aro’s victory, while reports from relevant institutions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), formed part of the processes that culminated in the submission of his name to INEC.
The leaders argued that any attempt to replace Aro after the conclusion of the nomination process would violate the Electoral Act as well as the APC’s internal democratic procedures.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene by ensuring that due process prevails and urged him to caution influential party leaders, particularly the member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, against actions capable of undermining the integrity of the party’s primary election.
According to the forum, allowing vested interests to overturn the outcome of a duly conducted primary would weaken confidence in the APC’s internal democracy and set an unhealthy precedent for future elections.
The leaders further stressed that under the Electoral Act, a candidate whose name has been submitted to INEC can only be substituted in the event of voluntary withdrawal through a written notice to the commission or upon the candidate’s death.
“Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro has neither withdrawn his candidature nor is he dead. Therefore, there is no legal basis for any substitution,” the forum stated.
They consequently called on INEC to reject any attempt to alter the party’s nomination outside the provisions of the law and urged the electoral commission to remain guided by due process and the rule of law.
The forum also appealed to President Tinubu, the leadership of the APC in Kogi State and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to uphold the outcome of the primary election by allowing Aro’s nomination to stand.
While reaffirming their loyalty to Governor Ododo and the APC, the leaders said safeguarding the integrity of party primaries was essential to strengthening democracy and sustaining members’ confidence in the party.
They urged APC supporters across Kogi West to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to pursuing justice through constitutional and lawful means.
The forum also commended President Tinubu for approving the rehabilitation of the Obajana–Kabba–Egbe–Omu-Aran–Ilorin Road and the Kabba–Iyara–Ifaki Road, describing the projects as a major boost to economic activities, transportation and regional connectivity across Kogi West.
The leaders pledged their continued support for the re-election of President Tinubu and Governor Ododo in 2027, expressing confidence that their administrations would further consolidate development and democratic governance in Kogi State.
