5th April, 2023
By Richard Elesho
Members of the late Abubakar Audu/ Faleke group in the All Progressives Congress, APC in Kogi has petitioned the National Working Committee of the party over the delegates’ list to be used for the primary of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
Led by Senator Emmanuel Ocheja Dangana, the group stormed the national headquarters of the party in Abuja with its petition on Tuesday.
The group claimed the delegates’ list is not a product of any Congress as demanded by law and that it contained the names of some civil servants.
The petitioners charged the NWC to reject the list in the interest of democracy and good governance to ensure level playing ground for all aspirants.
“We are here on this occasion to humbly and most respectfully draw your attention to the fact that the proposed Kogi state APC Governorship primary process which has resulted in multiple litigations is highly flawed and compromised, a situation which has never been associated with your leadership.
“May we also note that nobody should deceive the National Working Committee of the APC that the list of delegates submitted to the National Working Committee (NWC) for the 2023 Kogi Governorship Primary emanate from any Delegate Congress as none was held anywhere in the state.
“Furthermore, we wish to inform your Excellency that we have it on good authority and it is verifiable that some of the names of delegates submitted on the list are Serving Civil Servants (Local Government Workers) who are not eligible as delegates by law and this could be a subject of litigation eventually.
“Towards this end, may we advise the National Working Committee to tread with caution and resist any attempt by anyone to hijack the process of the governorship primary in Kogi state.
“We passionately appeal to the National Working Committee (NWC) under your leadership to ensure a level playing ground for a free, fair, credible and transparent primary nomination process in the interest of the party.
“We have expressed confidence in your ability to ensure this as equity, fairness and justice has remained your hallmark in leadership,” Ocheja explained.
The Deputy National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari who received the group members commended them for their matured approach towards the issue.
He promised that the NWC will look into their petition and treated it on its merit.
Kyari further promised that the NWC will be fair to all the 17 aspirants by creating a level playing for them to realise their ambition.