Yagba APC Leaders Rally Behind Abejide, Silence Primary Critics

Leaders, elected officials and prominent figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State’s Yagba Federal Constituency have thrown their weight behind the emergence of Leke Abejide as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election, insisting that his victory reflected the collective decision of party members.

According to a statement released on Wednesday by key APC stakeholders in the constituency, Abejide secured a convincing mandate during a transparent and credible primary election, dismissing criticisms surrounding the process as expressions of political dissatisfaction by supporters of unsuccessful aspirants.

The party leaders maintained that the outcome of the primary accurately represented the preferences of members across the 34 wards in Yagba Federal Constituency, stressing that attempts to challenge the result through media campaigns and public criticism were contrary to democratic principles.

They argued that democracy should be driven by the free choice of the electorate rather than considerations of geographical origin, emphasizing that party members had exercised their rights and produced a clear winner whose mandate deserves respect.

The stakeholders also praised Abejide’s performance in office, attributing his overwhelming support to what they described as a track record of impactful representation. They highlighted scholarship programmes, empowerment initiatives targeting women and youths, infrastructure development projects and various community-based interventions as factors that endeared him to party members and residents.

The statement further referenced a recent grant initiative through which more than 70 communities reportedly received N10 million each to execute projects of their choice, describing it as evidence of Abejide’s commitment to grassroots development.

According to the APC leaders, voters in the constituency are increasingly prioritising competence, measurable impact and effective service delivery over symbolic representation, adding that Abejide’s accessibility and dedication have strengthened his popularity across the constituency.

They urged party faithful and members of the public to disregard efforts aimed at questioning the legitimacy of the primary election, insisting that propaganda and political pressure cannot overturn a mandate freely given by party members.

The stakeholders called for unity within the APC ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that internal divisions could undermine the party’s electoral prospects in Yagba Federal Constituency. They reaffirmed that Abejide’s emergence was legitimate, widely accepted and consistent with the democratic wishes of party members.

The statement was signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo; Chairman of Yagba West Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Kogi State, Tosin Olokun; Chairman of Yagba East Local Government Area, Dare Joshua; Chairman of Mopamuro Local Government Area, Ademola Bello, alongside several APC chieftains across the constituency.