Response to the Statement by the State Publicity Secretary, PDP Kogi State Chapter
The National Youth Agenda (PDP, Kogi State) has noticed a press statement from the State Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Tijani Umoru Aruwa. This statement claims to defend Barr. Kabiru Usman and dismisses our earlier concerns about the misuse of PDP nomination forms and the alleged manipulation of internal party processes.
We want to clarify the following points:
The National Youth Agenda raised its concerns out of a commitment to transparency, accountability, and democracy within our party, the PDP. The allegations about the unauthorized handling and distribution of party forms are not made up. They come from grassroot members who feel left out and cheated by the actions of certain individuals.
Barr. Kabiru Usman’s Role Was Not Authorized by the Appropriate Organs
Contrary to the Publicity Secretary’s claims, Barr. Kabiru Usman does not have the authority to act on issues that should be handled by the State Working Committee (SWC) or any official committee. The matters in question require proper approval from the SWC according to party rules. Any decision made without this approval undermines our processes and creates discord within the party.
The lack of a clear statement or direction on this issue has confused members. We reiterate that if there was truly no endorsement or authorization, as claimed by Alhaji Aruwa, it is because he was part of the minority.
The National Youth Agenda’s earlier statement was not a threat. It was a heartfelt call for internal reform and fairness. Our movement is based on the principles of the PDP—justice, unity, and equality. At no point did we promote violence or division; we focused on ensuring accountability within the party’s structures.
We reaffirm our loyalty to the PDP and its leadership at all levels. However, unity must rest on truth and fairness, not on silence regarding wrongdoing. We urge the party leadership in Kogi State to focus on reconciliation and openness instead of defensive responses.
Finally, Barr. Kabiru Usman should return the form to the consensus candidate recognized by the State Working Committee. If he fails to do so by the first week of November, serious legal actions will follow. The Chairman and his associates will be responsible for the consequences.
The statement issued by Aruwa lacks substance and shows immaturity. It appears to be based on falsehoods. When former Governor Yahaya Bello claimed there were no opposition parties in Kogi, you were oblivious to the reality. It is important for the public to know the truth about who you really are. This should serve as a warning: the party belongs to everyone, not to personal vendettas hidden behind failed ambitions that Barr. Kabiru is pursuing to harm our party. If he does not comply with the demands of loyal party members, we will occupy the party secretariat and shut it down completely until the earlier zoning, which the National Youth Leader is assigned to, is restored.
The National Youth Agenda remains committed to protecting the integrity of the PDP and ensuring that young people and grassroot members have a say in shaping the party’s future.
Signed:
Comrade Timothy Oluwatosin
Director, Media and Publicity, National Youth Agenda (PDP, Kogi State Chapter)
Thursday, 30, 2025
