Ward Chairmen Dismiss “Forced Endorsement” Claims in Ofu LGA, Declare Support for Assembly Member
The four Ward Chairmen of Ugwolawo District in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State have dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that stakeholders were ambushed and forced to endorse the Member representing Ofu in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Shehu Seidu Amodu, for another term.
Speaking at a press conference in Ugwolawo onbehalf of the Ugwolawo district APC Stakeholders on Friday February 6, 2026, the Chairman of Ugwolawo Ward 1, Hon Salifu Wada, described the claims as “false and misleading,” insisting that no intimidation or coercion took place at any meeting involving party stakeholders.
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According to him, a recent meeting held in Ejule was purely consultative and peaceful, with participants attending voluntarily and without pressure to adopt any position.
He clarified that the decision to support Hon. Amodu’s reelection did not occur at that meeting, but was instead reached during a stakeholders’ meeting held on January 4, 2026, at the Ofu Local Government headquarters in Ugwolawo.
Hon. Wada explained that the meeting was attended by party leaders, elders, stakeholders, and representatives from all wards in Ugwolawo District. He noted that the ward chairmen personally mobilized participants, emphasizing that attendance and contributions were voluntary.
He said stakeholders resolved after deliberations that leadership and representation should be evaluated based on performance, while acknowledging that zoning remains an important consideration in political decision-making.
The district leadership subsequently agreed to support Hon. Shehu Seidu Amodu popularly known as “Barry Oil and Gas” citing what they described as his accessibility, performance, and effective representation in the State House of Assembly.
Also speaking, the Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ofu Local Government Area and Secretary of the Endorsement Committee, Comrade Musa Hussieni, dismissed the allegations of imposition and described them as political propaganda.
He said the endorsement of Hon. Amodu was driven by party faithful, youths, and community stakeholders who were satisfied with his representation.
Comrade Hussieni emphasized that no political leader imposed the decision on the district, adding that the call for continuity came from the electorate and party members across Ugwolawo District.
Recall that a social media commentator, Omera Ugbede Opaluwa, had earlier alleged that APC members from Ugwolawo District were ambushed at a meeting in Ejule, reportedly held at the residence of the Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Comrade Joel Oyibo, where stakeholders were allegedly pressured to endorse the Assembly member.
The Ward Chairmen, however, strongly rejected the allegations, insisting that stakeholders in Ugwolawo District are independent decision-makers who cannot be forced into political endorsements.
They reaffirmed that Ugwolawo District remains united and committed to continuity in representation, declaring their support for Hon. Amodu in the upcoming APC primary election and the general election.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, FEBRUARY 6TH 2026)
