Some stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi East and a group known as Igala Vanguard have called for the return of Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, to the Senate, amid emerging contestation over the party’s ticket.
The groups, in separate statements, appealed to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello to support the senator ahead of the next election cycle.
In a statement signed by Ibrahim Mohammed, the APC stakeholders said their position was based on the senator’s experience in the National Assembly. The group also referenced Senate practices on ranking, noting that returning lawmakers may have advantages in committee assignments and leadership roles.
They further cited projects and legislative efforts they attributed to the senator, including a proposed Federal Medical Centre in Idah and an orthopedic hospital bill said to be awaiting presidential assent.
However, the push for Echocho’s return comes amid indications of internal disagreement within the district. A group identified as the “Kogi East Elders Forum” has reportedly expressed opposition to his continuation in office, though details of its position remain unclear.
In addition, there are unconfirmed reports that Governor Ododo is backing another aspirant, Engr. Joseph Ameh Ericho, a development that could further complicate the contest for the party’s ticket.
Reacting to the opposition, the Igala Vanguard dismissed the position of the elders’ forum.
Speaking through its convener, Lawrence Ankpa, the group questioned the credibility of the forum, alleging that it does not represent the broader Igala community.
Efforts to reach representatives of the Kogi East Elders Forum and the state government for confirmation of the alleged endorsement were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.
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