By Yinka Adaranijo
President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Kogi State is facing allegations of internal obstruction, with supporters of a pro-Tinubu mobilisation accusing some party actors of undermining grassroots efforts while publicly professing loyalty to the President.
At the centre of the controversy is the Win With Tinubu/Shettima (WWTS) campaign, led by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi of Kogi West and Senator Isah Jibrin, popularly known as Echocho, of Kogi East.
The movement says its town hall meetings have reached six federal constituencies and 16 local government areas across the two senatorial districts. However, allegations that party members have faced sanctions for attending the gatherings have raised questions about unity within the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The claims have not been independently established. WWTS has cautioned against accusing anyone of sabotage without evidence.
Alleged sanctions deepen party tension
According to party sources, some APC officials, elected representatives and political appointees have allegedly been discouraged from attending pro-Tinubu activities not organised by the state leadership, with suspension or removal from office cited as possible consequences.
The controversy has revived tensions following the May senatorial primaries, during which the state party leadership reportedly did not support either incumbent senator.
Karimi secured the APC ticket in the contested process, while Echocho lost his ticket to Joseph Erico.
Town halls become test of party loyalty
Karimi began his constituency town halls in Yagba Federal Constituency on August 2, followed by meetings in Kabba on August 13 and Lokoja on August 23.
The gatherings were intended to account for his stewardship, present constituency interventions and mobilise support for Tinubu’s re-election.
In Kogi East, town halls held in Idah, Ankpa and Dekina/Bassa federal constituencies were organised under the theme, “Unity for Sustainable Development in Kogi East Senatorial District.”
The meetings reportedly attracted party leaders, traditional rulers, community stakeholders, women and youth groups.
But the mobilisation has also generated controversy over alleged disciplinary action against party members who attended.
Those reportedly affected include Lokoja Local Government Youth Leader, Talba Lakwaja, six local government executive members and three ward chairmen.
In Lokoja Ward C, stakeholders rejected the reported suspension of their chairman, Yusuf Bala Namama, and passed a vote of confidence in him.
Anyigba finale raises fresh questions
The dispute reportedly escalated on Thursday during the grand finale of the Kogi East town halls in Anyigba.
Party sources alleged that the paramount ruler was prevented from receiving the organisers and that Dekina local government authorities restricted movement on the day.
Despite the reported restrictions, residents of Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency attended the event.
The allegations have intensified calls for the APC leadership to clarify whether pro-Tinubu mobilisation outside the state government’s direct control is being discouraged.
‘Let our actions prove it’
In a statement titled “Tinubu’s Re-election: Contradictions in Kogi State,” WWTS State Programme Secretary, Pastor Stanley Ajileye, challenged party leaders to demonstrate their support for the President through their actions.
“Are those who profess loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu genuinely working for his re-election, or is political pretence undermining the project in Kogi State?” he asked.
Ajileye urged restraint and dialogue, warning against allowing internal disagreements to undermine the campaign.
“Loyalty is not established by repeated declarations. It is demonstrated through consistent action,” he said, adding, “If we are truly working for Tinubu, let our actions prove it.”
Faleke expresses disbelief
The controversy has also drawn a reaction from Hon. James Faleke, member of the House of Representatives for Ikeja Federal Constituency and Deputy Director-General for Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring of Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign council.
Reacting to reports circulating on social media, Faleke said he initially found the allegations difficult to believe.
“I read it on social media but didn’t believe that such can happen. But how can you suspend party members for attending Senator Sunday Karimi’s town hall meeting? Well, let’s see how it goes,” he was quoted as saying.
A warning for Tinubu’s re-election machinery
The dispute presents a potential challenge for the APC as it prepares for the 2027 general election.
Supporters of the WWTS initiative argue that penalising members for participating in pro-Tinubu activities could weaken grassroots mobilisation, discourage party workers and deepen divisions within the ruling party.
They maintain that a coordinated campaign, open to all lawful pro-Tinubu initiatives, would give the President a stronger platform in Kogi.
For now, the central question is whether the allegations will prompt clarification and reconciliation within the party—or widen a dispute that could test the APC’s ability to organise behind its presidential candidate.