By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Fresh tension is reportedly brewing within the All Progressives Congress in Lokoja I State Constituency following allegations that some aspirants seeking the party’s ticket for the State House of Assembly may work against the party if leaders impose a candidate ahead of the next election.
Sources within the party disclosed that several aspirants and their supporters have expressed dissatisfaction over speculations of an anointed candidate being prepared by influential stakeholders, warning that such a move could create division within the party.
According to party faithful who spoke on condition of anonymity, the aggrieved aspirants are insisting on a free, fair and transparent primary election where delegates or members would be allowed to choose the candidate of their choice.
They argued that imposing any aspirant without due process could weaken the unity of the party in Lokoja I and give opposition parties an opportunity to capitalize on internal grievances.
Some members also appealed to party leaders at the state and local government levels to ensure justice and fairness in the selection process, stressing that consensus should only be adopted if all aspirants willingly agree.
Efforts to get official reaction from the Lokoja chapter of the All Progressives Congress were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Political observers say how the party handles the emerging concerns may determine its strength and cohesion ahead of the election in Lokoja I State Constituency.
