ADC Stakeholders, Youths Reject Okpanachi’s Nomination as Idah Federal Constituency Leader
By Amuda Jimoh – Lokoja
Stakeholders and youths of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Kogi State have unanimously rejected the nomination of Elder Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi as the leader of the party in Idah Federal Constituency.
The party members expressed strong displeasure over what they described as an imposition allegedly orchestrated by the former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Elder Simon Achuba, urging him to immediately and honourably withdraw the nomination in the interest of peace, unity and internal democracy within the party.
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According to the aggrieved stakeholders, the ADC in Idah Federal Constituency must not be subjected to intimidation or imposition, insisting that leaders should emerge through due process and the collective will of party members, rather than being handpicked from Abuja.
“One of the core principles of the ADC is internal democracy,” a party member said. “We cannot preach change and practise imposition. Our leaders must be elected by the people, not forced on us.”
A party member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the Idah Federal Constituency had played a critical role in building the ADC in Kogi State since its unveiling.
“Since the unveiling of the ADC in Kogi State, Idah Federal Constituency has consistently worked to grow the party. Under the leadership of Dr. Sule Odoma, alongside other distinguished leaders across the four local government areas, we have registered over 20,000 members,” the source said.
He warned that imposing Elder Itodo on the constituency could spell doom for the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“So imposing Ubolo Itodo Okpanachi on us will spell disaster for the ADC in the run-up to the 2027 elections in Kogi State. This is the time to put aside sentiment, selfish ambition and the interests of a few individuals for the collective good of the party,” he added.
Another youth leader in the constituency said the ADC must stand as a true alternative to bad governance, stressing that credibility begins with respecting democratic processes within the party.
“We cannot claim to want to rescue Nigeria and Kogi State from bad governance while undermining democracy in our own party. The ADC must be different, and that difference must start now,” he said.
The stakeholders, however, appealed to party supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them of their commitment to strengthening the party.
They also urged members to continue supporting the existing leadership structure in the constituency, noting that unity and inclusiveness were critical to the ADC’s mission of salvaging Nigeria from economic hardship, maladministration, insecurity, poor leadership and what they described as creeping dictatorship.
“We remain committed to building a strong ADC that will offer Nigerians a credible alternative and restore hope to the people,” the party source concluded.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 2ND 2026)
