By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
A political advocacy group, APC Youth Vanguard, in Kogi State has condemned what it described as a rushed and suspicious process by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to screen new aspirants for chairmanship and councillorship positions across the 21 Local Government Areas, despite the fact that serving council officials still have 11 months remaining in their constitutionally recognized tenure.
The group expressed shock that the APC has already commenced compiling and screening names of prospective candidates even though the current council chairmen and councillors have served only 13 months out of the mandatory 24-month tenure.
Reports indicate that stakeholders’ meetings were held across the 21 LGAs over the weekend, where screening committees allegedly began evaluating new contenders—an action that has sparked tension and confusion among party members.
Describing the move as politically motivated and anti-democratic, the group alleged that powerful interests within the party are seeking to impose preferred candidates in preparation for future elections.
“This development is unacceptable. Why is APC in a hurry to replace council officials who still have 11 months left in office? What exactly is the hidden agenda?” the group questioned.
They warned that such actions risk destabilizing the party’s grassroots structure and could ignite internal crisis if not urgently addressed.
“Many party loyalists are angry. This is a clear attempt to undermine due process and sabotage the mandate freely given to the current leaders,” the group stated.
The group therefore called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to immediately intervene and stop the ongoing screening, stressing that only the governor can prevent what they described as a “dangerous and divisive plot” capable of damaging the unity of the party.
“We urge His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to step in and halt this process before it causes irreparable harm. The party must respect democratic norms and the rule of law,” they appealed.
As of press time, the APC leadership in the state has not issued an official response to the concerns raised.
