Yagba APC Chieftains Back Abejide, Dismiss Critics Of Primary Victory

Leaders, elected officials and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State have defended the emergence of Leke Abejide as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election.

In a statement on Wednesday (today), the political bigwigs from Yagba said Abejide’s victory at the APC primary was a true reflection of the will of party members across the constituency.

They described criticisms trailing his emergence as the product of political disappointment and an attempt to undermine the democratic decision of APC members.

They insisted that Abejide participated in the primary election and secured an overwhelming mandate through what it described as a transparent and credible process.

The APC leaders said those challenging the outcome of the primary had supported another aspirant during the contest but failed to secure the backing of party members.

According to them, the result of the exercise reflected the preference of members across the 34 wards in Yagba Federal Constituency.

They described efforts to invalidate the outcome through media campaigns and public agitation as undemocratic and unacceptable.

“Democracy is not about excluding a candidate because of where he comes from. Democracy is about allowing the people to decide who is best suited to represent their interests,” the politicians said.

The leaders maintained that the primary election had produced a clear winner, adding that the will of party members must be respected by all stakeholders.

The APC chieftains also highlighted what they described as Abejide’s achievements in office, saying his record of service had earned him wide support across the constituency.

They cited scholarship programmes, empowerment initiatives for women and youths, infrastructure projects and other community-focused interventions as some of the reasons party members rallied behind him.

The group also pointed to a recent grant scheme through which more than 70 communities reportedly received N10m each for projects of their choice.

According to the leaders, Abejide’s performance, accessibility and commitment to grassroots development have strengthened his popularity among party members and residents of the constituency.

They said voters had moved beyond symbolic representation and were now placing greater emphasis on competence, impact and service delivery.

“The people are interested in results. They are interested in impact. They are interested in leaders who understand their needs and have demonstrated the capacity to meet them,” the group said.

The APC leaders called on party members and the public to disregard what they described as attempts to distort the outcome of the primary election.

They said political pressure, revisionism and propaganda could not overturn a mandate freely given by APC members.

According to them, the democratic process had produced a clear verdict, and all party stakeholders must work together in the interest of unity and electoral victory.

“The party members have spoken. The people have spoken. Democracy has spoken, and its verdict deserves respect,” they added.

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

Naija News understands that several APC chieftains across Yagba Federal Constituency also signed the statement.

The leaders urged members of the party to remain focused and united ahead of the 2027 elections, saying internal division would only weaken the APC’s chances in the constituency.

They insisted that Abejide’s emergence was legitimate, popular and consistent with the democratic wishes of party members across Yagba Federal Constituency.