Kogi APC Crisis Deepens as Echocho Accuses Ododo Camp of Manipulating Senate Primary

By Ugbede James Ankpa

Alleged Kogi APC Primary Manipulation Sparks Crisis as Echocho Confronts Ododo
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State is facing a major internal crisis following a public confrontation between Senator Jibrin Echocho and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over the conduct of the party’s Senate primary election.

The dispute has generated political tension across the state, with growing concerns that the ruling party may be heading toward a deeper internal division ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded video message that has circulated widely, Echocho accused some individuals within the state political structure of manipulating the primary process. He maintained that the exercise lacked credibility and was allegedly predetermined before voting commenced.
The senator claimed that no genuine voting took place in his ward and alleged that results had already been prepared inside Government House before the election was conducted.
“That result is a nullity, and it cannot even be announced,” Echocho said angrily.
Political observers have interpreted the statement as a direct challenge to Governor Ododo and the dominant APC structure in the state, signaling a sharp deterioration in relations between both camps.
Until the latest development, Echocho had been regarded as a close ally of Governor Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello, playing a significant role in sustaining APC’s political strength in Kogi East.
However, the senator’s recent comments suggest that the relationship may have broken down completely.
Echocho recalled his long-standing loyalty to both leaders, insisting that he had consistently supported their political interests.
“I have been very supportive of your administration. I have been very loyal to you and to GYB,” he stated.
He also explained that despite calls from supporters urging him to seek higher political office, he deliberately focused on strengthening the APC in Kogi East through empowerment programmes and constituency projects.
“I have told everybody who cares to listen that I don’t want to contest for governor,” he added.
According to him, his political activities were aimed at consolidating support for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the current administration in Kogi State.
Echocho, however, said the alleged denial of the Senate ticket had changed the political atmosphere between him and the governor.
“But since you are now out to fight me, take it from me today, the battle line has been drawn,” he warned.
Further escalating the situation, the senator declared that he could now decide to join the governorship race, setting the stage for a possible political confrontation with Governor Ododo.
“I am going to contest with you. I have the right,” he declared.
The unfolding crisis has reportedly divided APC stakeholders in Kogi State, with concerns mounting over the impact of the feud on the party’s stability.
Analysts believe Echocho’s political influence in Kogi East, alongside his grassroots support base and established political network, could significantly reshape the state’s political landscape if the disagreement remains unresolved.
The dispute is emerging at a sensitive period for the APC in Kogi, especially amid growing complaints over alleged imposition, exclusion, and consensus arrangements during recent party primaries.
The situation has also been intensified by the withdrawal of former Senator Smart Adeyemi from the Senate race, fueling speculation about widening cracks within the ruling party.
With supporters on both sides becoming increasingly vocal, observers say Kogi State may be witnessing the beginning of one of the fiercest intra-party battles in recent years.