A political pressure group, the Kogi All Progressives Congress (APC) Patriots, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in a burgeoning crisis within the Kogi State chapter of the party, allegedly orchestrated by Governor Usman Ododo and his predecessor, Yahaya Bello.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the group accused the current and former governors of fostering division within the ranks of the APC at a time when internal cohesion is critical for the party’s success.
The Patriots expressed dismay that instead of collaborating with “genuine stakeholders” such as Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), the duo is allegedly working to undermine efforts aimed at securing a decisive victory for the APC and President Tinubu in the state.
A major point of contention raised by the group is the leadership’s approach to the Kogi East Senatorial District. They alleged that rather than supporting a popular candidate with the clout and pedigree to represent the district effectively, the state leadership is attempting to impose a “puppet” as a representative.
The group warned that this internal friction could jeopardize the party’s margin of victory in future elections.
“We are deeply concerned by the actions and motives of the Governor and former Governor regarding the manner in which they are handling the affairs of the Kogi APC,” the statement read. “We are worried that despite the efforts of stakeholders like Senator Sunday Karimi to keep the party solid, even in Kogi East, the duo has chosen to fight him.”
The statement continued: “If our objective for the 2027 elections is to win overwhelmingly for Mr. President, then the current actions of the duo are counter-productive. In Kogi East, we are worried by a clandestine move to impose an unpopular candidate—a puppet who will make electoral victory difficult.”
The Patriots urged the national leadership of the APC and the Presidency to take an active interest in the yearnings and aspirations of party members in Kogi to prevent a total breakdown of order.
The group noted that “a stitch in time saves nine,” emphasizing that prompt intervention is necessary to restore unity and ensure the party remains a formidable force in the state.
