Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho has refuted claims that he agreed to step down from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Kogi East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections. He described the allegations as false, fabricated, and politically motivated.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the lawmaker, affectionately known as Echocho, asserted that he never withdrew from the race or authorized any individual or group to speak on his behalf regarding any purported decision not to seek re-election.
According to him, reports suggesting he had stepped down were part of a coordinated campaign of misinformation aimed at misleading party members and creating confusion within the APC in Kogi State.
“Let me state categorically and without ambiguity: I remain the authentic candidate of the APC in Kogi East and firmly committed to seeking the mandate of my people once again under the platform of our great party, the APC,” he said.
The senator maintained that at no point, either verbally or in writing, did he communicate to any individual, institution, or authority that he would not return to the Senate in 2027.
“I remain stoic, resolute, focused, and more prepared than ever to continue rendering quality representation to the good people of Kogi East,” he added.
Jibrin urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress, party stakeholders, and supporters across the district not to be swayed by what he described as “mischievous propaganda” sponsored by desperate political actors.
According to him, those behind the reports had resorted to falsehood and blackmail after allegedly failing to gain the support and confidence of the people.
“It is obvious that the sponsors of these fake reports have descended into panic mode. Having failed to gain the confidence and support of the people, they have resorted to crude propaganda, misinformation, and desperate underhanded tactics in a futile attempt to distort reality and create unnecessary tension within our political family,” the statement read.
The lawmaker further insisted that no amount of “fabricated stories, sponsored propaganda, forged statements, or orchestrated campaigns of falsehood” would diminish the support he enjoys across Kogi East Senatorial District.
Jibrin reaffirmed his commitment to the peace, progress, and development of the district, while calling on supporters and party faithful to remain steadfast ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Conclusively, I remain the authentic and formidable candidate for the 2027 APC Kogi East Senatorial District,” he stated.
