Kogi: Concern Mounts Over APC House of Representatives Primary in Idah LGA
Fresh concerns have emerged over the conduct and preparedness of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election in Idah Local Government Area of Kogi State, following developments observed at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Ogegele, Idah.
In a statement signed and issued by Blessing Julius Ele-Ojo, said one of the leading aspirants in the race, Hon. Mark Ogah Okpanachi, accompanied by party stakeholders and supporters, visited the INEC office shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, the day scheduled for the primary election, to verify reports surrounding the non-commencement of voting across designated wards.
The visit came amid growing anxiety among party members and electorates who had reportedly gathered at various polling centres awaiting the commencement of the exercise.
However, several hours after the official start time, there were reportedly no signs of INEC officials, electoral materials, or any indication that voting would commence as scheduled.
According to the statement, INEC had on Friday night confirmed that election materials had been distributed to all local government areas and wards ahead of the exercise.
Speaking during the visit, the Electoral Officer for Idah Local Government Area, Mr. Mohammed Jamiu, clarified the commission’s position regarding the process.
He explained that while the situation at the ward level could only be verified upon physical arrival at the various locations, INEC had, as of after 10:00 a.m. on election day, not received the names of aspirants expected to participate in the primary election.
Mr. Jamiu further stated that established electoral guidelines require the submission of aspirants’ names at least ten days before the conduct of a primary election, noting that the requirement had allegedly not been fulfilled in the present situation.
The Electoral Officer stressed that the matter remained strictly an internal affair of the political party, adding that INEC’s responsibility was limited to monitoring and observing the process in line with electoral regulations.
The development has since generated concerns among party faithful, political observers, and stakeholders over issues relating to transparency, procedural compliance, and the credibility of the primary election process within the constituency.
Concerned stakeholders have therefore called on the leadership of the APC to ensure strict adherence to due process, fairness, and democratic principles capable of sustaining the confidence of party members and the public.
