Michael Samuel Idoko, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the Kogi State House of Assembly, has strongly criticized the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over what he described as widespread irregularities and confusion during the party's primary elections across the state. Speaking on Tuesday, May 19, shortly after being cleared to contest under the PDP platform, Idoko stated that the internal crisis plaguing the APC, from the House of Representatives primaries to the Senate primaries, has exposed the party as disorganized and unfit to continue leading the people of Kogi State.
Allegations of Irregularities
Idoko alleged that the APC primaries were marred by irregularities, including manipulation and a lack of internal democracy. He said, “The irregularities witnessed during the APC primaries, from the House of Representatives elections down to the Senate primaries, are a huge embarrassment to a party that claims to be the ruling party. What Nigerians and Kogites have seen is confusion, manipulation, and lack of internal democracy.” He argued that these developments have further strengthened the PDP's resolve to reclaim political dominance in Kogi East and Kogi Central ahead of the forthcoming general elections.
Yahaya Bello's Clearance Questioned
The PDP aspirant particularly questioned the decision of the APC screening committee to clear former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to contest for the Senate, despite the corruption allegations and cases pending against him at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Idoko described this as “shocking and disappointing,” insisting that the APC has lost the moral justification to preach accountability and transparency. He stated, “The most shocking aspect is the clearance granted to former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is currently facing serious corruption cases with the EFCC, to contest for the Senate. It is a major dent on the integrity of the APC and clearly shows that the party does not care about accountability.”
PDP Poised for Victory
Idoko maintained that the growing dissatisfaction among APC members and residents of Kogi State positions the PDP as the preferred alternative. He claimed that the PDP is gaining massive grassroots support across Kogi East and Kogi Central and is fully prepared to take over key elective positions, from the Senate to the State House of Assembly. He added, “All these developments are advantages for the PDP. The people are tired, and they are ready for change. PDP is strongly positioned to win elections across Kogi East and Kogi Central, from the Senate down to the State House of Assembly seats.” He called on party supporters and residents to remain united and committed to the “mission to rescue Kogi State from bad governance and political injustice.”
