2027: Lokoja Ward A APC Aspirants Reject Alleged Move to Impose Incumbent Lawmaker, Insist on Zoning Tradition
A coalition of aspirants under the Ward A APC Aspirants Forum has strongly rejected what it describes as attempts to impose any candidate for the Lokoja I State Constituency seat ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that such a move would undermine the constituency’s long-standing zoning arrangement and democratic principles.
The forum, made up of aspirants seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the constituency, includes Hon. Nda Aaron, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Bala, Emmanuel Egamana, Engr. Shehu Amorley, Murtala Muhammed (Ordinary General), Comrade Ibrahim Osite Momoh, Nasir Baba Adamu, and Hajiya Fatima.
In a press statement signed by Hon. Nda Aaron, Special Adviser to the Governor on Multimedia, on behalf of the forum and made available to journalists in Lokoja, the group expressed deep concern over what it termed “early moves by certain interests” to endorse the incumbent lawmaker for another term, allegedly in violation of the constituency’s established rotational framework.
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According to the forum, any attempt to impose a candidate would not only distort the existing zoning structure but also marginalize Ward A, which it said has remained politically sidelined within the current leadership arrangement of the APC in Lokoja Local Government.
“There is an existing zoning tradition in Lokoja I, and it has served as a stabilizing factor in ensuring fairness, equity, and political inclusiveness since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999,” the statement read.
The group stressed that historically, no serving member representing Lokoja I State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly has served two consecutive terms, noting that this political culture has remained intact even under successive APC administrations.
“It is worthy of note that since 1999, no Assembly member from Lokoja I has occupied the seat for two terms consecutively. Under the APC-led administrations of former Governor Yahaya Bello and the current Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, this principle has remained respected,” the forum stated.
Providing historical references, the aspirants noted that from 2015 to 2019, Ward D produced Rt. Hon. Alfa Imam; from 2019 to 2023, Ward C produced Hon. Isa Umar; while the current occupant, Hon. Bin Ebiya Shehu, is from Ward B.
“By this established progression, equity demands that Ward A should be given a fair opportunity in 2027 rather than allowing any individual or group to manipulate the process for selfish political gains,” the statement added.
The forum further alleged that certain groups had begun championing the incumbent’s return through endorsements and consensus arrangements, a development it described as contrary to democratic ideals.
“We are aware that some individuals and political groups have begun pushing for the endorsement of the incumbent member as APC candidate for Lokoja I, against the backdrop of the long-standing zoning understanding,” the statement said.
“Any attempt to distort this arrangement will be repugnant to natural justice, fairness, and democratic ethics. Democracy is about popular participation, not kangaroo selection or political imposition.”
The group emphasized that while it does not oppose any aspirant’s constitutional right to contest, it would resist any arrangement that seeks to impose a preferred candidate under the guise of consensus.
“We reject any purported imposition disguised as consensus or endorsement, especially when such a candidate has already benefited from the same zoning structure that others patiently respected,” the forum declared.
The aspirants therefore called on the APC leadership in Kogi State to intervene and ensure that internal democracy, justice, and the zoning tradition are upheld in Lokoja I.
“We appeal to the party hierarchy to protect the integrity of the APC by ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants. Anything short of this may breed resentment and weaken party unity in Lokoja I,” the statement concluded.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 28TH 2026)
