Fresh concerns are emerging within the APC in Kogi State as some party members have allegedly raised alarm over the conduct and structure of the ongoing preparations for the party primaries.
According to complaints circulating among party faithful across several wards, many loyal APC members are allegedly being excluded from participating in the delegate selection process, with accusations that only a small number of handpicked individuals are being allegedly prepared to determine outcomes ahead of the primaries.
Some aggrieved members claim that in wards with hundreds of registered party members— reportedly ranging from 350 to over 1,000 members only a limited circle of selected EXCO members and approved loyalists are being positioned to vote during the process.
There are also allegations that some party membership cards are being withheld or seized, while participation is allegedly being restricted to individuals endorsed by certain political interests within the party structure.
Party members expressing dissatisfaction insist that such developments do not reflect the democratic ideals upon which the APC was founded.
“The APC was built on internal democracy, fairness, and inclusion. What we are allegedly witnessing now is contrary to the spirit of progressive politics,” one concerned party member stated.
While acknowledging that political alignments and preferred candidates are normal realities within party politics, some stakeholders argue that even an “anointed candidate” should emerge through what they describe as a transparent and credible process rather than through alleged intimidation, restriction, or imposition.
Observers within the party fear that the situation, if not properly managed, could deepen internal divisions and weaken confidence in the party’s grassroots structure ahead of future elections.
Questions are also reportedly being raised about the role and independence of ward executives and delegates, with critics asking whether ordinary party members still retain meaningful constitutional rights within the party framework they helped build over the years.
Some members warn that any perception of unfairness during the primaries could damage the public image of the APC more than opposition criticism.
They further argue that if the party cannot guarantee internal democratic processes during its own primaries, it may become difficult to convincingly project itself as a defender of democratic values during the general elections.
Party faithful calling for reforms are urging the leadership of the Kogi APC to allow candidates to emerge freely and credibly from the grassroots without coercion or undue influence.
For many concerned members, the appeal is simple: let every ward speak with its true voice and allow democracy to thrive within the party structure.
As political activities continue to intensify across Kogi State, attention now turns to how the party leadership will respond to the growing concerns from within its ranks.
Reported by concerned party members
