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By Tracy Moses
The Kogi State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has declared its readiness to defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other political parties in the forthcoming local government elections, while challenging the Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission (KOSIEC) to review its election timetable.
The State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo, made the declaration on Monday in Lokoja during a joint meeting of the party’s State Working Committee (SWC) and State Executive Committee (SEC) held at the party secretariat.
Addressing party leaders and members, Gambo said the PDP was fully prepared to field candidates in all 21 local government areas of the state, describing the local councils as “the bedrock of democracy and the closest tier of government to the people.”
“We are ready for this election, and we are confident that the PDP will emerge victorious across the state if the process is fair and inclusive,” he said.
Gambo, however, faulted KOSIEC over what he described as the abrupt closure of the nomination process, calling on the commission to extend the deadline to enable PDP candidates participate fully.
“The sudden closure of the timetable is unacceptable and appears designed to exclude our party. We are urging KOSIEC to do the right thing by extending the deadline so that the electorate can have wider choices,” he stated.
Beyond electoral issues, the PDP chairman raised concerns over insecurity in parts of the state, calling on all levels of government to intensify efforts to protect lives and property.
“The nation, and Kogi State in particular, is at a crossroads. Today, people can no longer sleep with both eyes closed. This is a serious challenge that requires collaboration and concrete security measures so that citizens can live, work, and travel without fear,” Gambo said.
While acknowledging the efforts of the state government, he stressed that more needed to be done, especially in Kogi West and other affected areas, noting that security remains a prerequisite for meaningful political participation and sustainable development.
“Without security, there can be no development, no credible elections, and no meaningful progress,” he added.
Gambo also disclosed plans by the party to establish reconciliation and other strategic committees to address internal grievances and strengthen unity within the PDP, describing the party as a people-oriented platform open to women, youths, and all segments of society.
“The PDP belongs to the people. We are setting up reconciliation mechanisms to bring back aggrieved members and strengthen our internal cohesion. Our focus is not personal vendettas but the development of Kogi State and Nigeria,” he said.
Declaring that the Kogi PDP has entered a new phase, the chairman urged party leaders, stakeholders, and members to put past differences behind them and work collectively toward a common goal.
“This is a new era for the PDP in Kogi State. Let us forget the past, close ranks, and rebuild our party. Together, we can reclaim Lugard House and Aso Rock in 2027,” Gambo declared.
In a separate remark, the PDP Publicity Secretary for the North Central zone, Hon. Idowu Afolabi, expressed support for the leadership of Gambo, describing his emergence as a turning point for the party in the state.
“The emergence of Hon. Muhammed Sanni Gambo has brought vibrancy, direction, and purposeful leadership to the PDP in Kogi State.
Under his leadership, the party is once again becoming the party of choice for the people,” Afolabi said.
He added that the PDP was committed to reconciling all aggrieved members who left the party during previous internal disputes, expressing confidence that the party would re-emerge stronger.
Similarly, the party’s North Central Auditor, Hon. Musa Siyaka Adeiza, commended Gambo for his resilience and determination to reposition the PDP, calling on the electorate to rally behind the party.
“The people are suffering under economic and social hardship. A vote for the PDP is a vote for emancipation from poverty and insecurity,” Adeiza said.
He urged party members to close ranks, resolve internal disagreements, and work together to restore hope to the people of Kogi State