Democracy and Government Interest: The Kogi Adoption Debate

As the All Progressives Congress (APC) moves closer to its primary and consensus processes ahead of the Lokoja I State Constituency election, emerging discussions around government influence in candidate selection have sparked renewed debate over internal democracy within the party in Kogi State.

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The conversation gained momentum following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Saturday between APC leadership, Lokoja stakeholders and all aspirants vying for the Lokoja I State Constituency ticket.

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the gathering took place at the Lokoja Local Government APC Secretariat under the supervision of the local government party leadership and was attended by all aspirants seeking the party’s nomination.

Although no official announcement was made, a source who attended the meeting and requested anonymity said the proceedings suggested that the government may already have a preferred candidate for the seat.

The source’s claim has reignited concerns among party faithful and political observers over what many describe as the growing influence of executive preference in internal party affairs.

Historical Context and Recurring Allegations

Observers note that similar allegations surfaced during the previous administration, particularly in the conduct of local government elections across Kogi State’s 21 local government areas.

At the time, critics alleged that nomination processes favoured government-backed aspirants, with some claiming that nomination forms were effectively reserved for preferred candidates.

Though such claims have remained contested, they continue to shape perceptions of the APC’s candidate selection process in the state.

Political analysts say these perceptions may deepen frustrations among aspirants who spend months consulting stakeholders, mobilising grassroots support and investing substantial personal resources, only to later discover that political calculations may outweigh competitive processes.

One party stakeholder questioned the rationale behind allowing multiple aspirants to campaign and consult if a preferred candidate had already been identified.

Consensus Versus Imposition

Consensus remains a lawful and recognised mechanism for candidate selection under Nigeria’s electoral framework. When properly managed, it is designed to foster unity, reduce intra-party conflict and minimise the financial burden of competitive primaries.

However, political analysts argue that consensus must arise from genuine negotiation and voluntary agreement among aspirants, not from directives imposed by party leaders or government officials.

Where aspirants and stakeholders perceive consensus as a cover for imposition, it risks undermining trust in the process and weakening party cohesion.

Recent pronouncements by the national leadership of the APC have repeatedly emphasised the need for greater internal democracy, with calls for transparent primaries and inclusive consensus-building rather than unilateral candidate selection.

Electoral Risks of Perceived Imposition

Some stakeholders warn that perceived imposition of unpopular candidates could carry electoral consequences during the general election.

Lokoja I is widely regarded as one of the most politically conscious constituencies in Kogi State, with a history of voters making independent electoral choices irrespective of party affiliations.

Political commentators often cite the constituency’s support for the late Rt. Hon. Umar Buba Jibril during his Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) days as evidence of the electorate’s willingness to support candidates based on personal appeal and perceived competence rather than party platform alone.

This history suggests that party decisions at the nomination stage do not automatically translate into electoral support.

Performance as the Basis for Selection

Beyond the issue of process, many within the constituency argue that performance should remain the central criterion for determining who receives party endorsement or support.

According to this view, elected officials and aspirants should be assessed on the basis of legislative performance, constituency engagement, accessibility and developmental contributions rather than political patronage.

Advocates of this approach contend that allowing performance and grassroots support to shape candidate emergence would strengthen accountability and improve democratic representation.

The Road Ahead for APC

As APC finalises preparations for its nomination process in Lokoja I, the party faces an important test of its commitment to internal democracy.

Whether through direct primaries, indirect primaries or consensus arrangements, political observers say the credibility of the process will significantly influence party unity and voter confidence ahead of the general election.

For many stakeholders, the central issue is not merely who emerges as candidate, but whether the process reflects fairness, inclusiveness and respect for democratic principles.

In a constituency known for its politically aware electorate, the ultimate verdict may rest not only with party leaders but with the voters themselves.

– Musa Ahmad writes from Lokoja.

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