By Lizzy Chirkpi
Leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across Yagba Federal Constituency have rallied behind the emergence of Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide as the party’s candidate for the 2027 House of Representatives election, insists that the outcome of the party’s primary election reflects the democratic will of members.
The leaders, operating under the umbrella of the Leke Abejide Support Group (LASG), dismissed criticisms surrounding the primary as the grievances of politicians who failed to secure the support of party delegates and members.
In a statement made available to journalists, the group rejected allegations that there were attempts to perpetuate Abejide’s stay in office through undemocratic means, stressing that the lawmaker subjected himself to the APC’s internal democratic process and emerged victorious through a transparent and credible contest.
According to the group, Abejide’s candidacy was neither imposed nor handed to him on a platter but was earned through widespread support across the 34 wards that make up Yagba Federal Constituency.
The APC leaders maintained that those challenging the outcome had actively supported a rival aspirant during the primary election but were unable to secure the confidence of party members.
“The primary election produced a clear winner, and its outcome should be respected by all stakeholders in the interest of party unity and democratic values,” the statement said.
The group also rejected calls for zoning or rotational arrangements as the basis for determining the party’s candidate, arguing that such political understandings cannot supersede the constitutional rights of eligible citizens to seek elective office or the freedom of party members to choose their preferred representatives.
“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 leaders stated.
Highlighting Abejide’s stewardship in office, the group pointed to what it described as his impressive record in education, empowerment and community development. It cited scholarship programmes, youth and women empowerment initiatives, infrastructure interventions and constituency projects spread across the federal constituency.
The leaders particularly referenced a recent community development grant programme under which more than 70 communities reportedly received grants exceeding ₦10 million each to execute projects tailored to their specific needs.
According to the group, Abejide’s accessibility to constituents and his track record of delivering tangible benefits have earned him broad acceptance among the people.
“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 statement added.
The APC leaders urged party members and the general public to disregard attempts to discredit the primary election, insisting that the democratic process had spoken clearly and that the mandate given to Abejide should be respected.
“The party members have spoken. The people have spoken. Democracy has spoken, and its verdict deserves respect,” they declared.
The statement was signed by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo; Chairman of Yagba West Local Government, Hon. Tosin Olokun; Chairman of Yagba East Local Government, Hon. Dare Joshua; alongside 21 other APC leaders, stakeholders and grassroots mobilisers from across Yagba Federal Constituency.