A coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirants in Lokoja I State Constituency, under the banner of the APC Aspirants Forum in Ward A, has rejected alleged moves to impose the incumbent lawmaker, Hon. Bin Ebiya Shehu, ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group described the development as an “imposition plot” capable of undermining internal democracy and destabilising the long-standing zoning arrangement that has guided political representation in the constituency.
In a statement issued in Lokoja and signed by Hon. Nda Aaron on behalf of the forum, the aspirants warned against what they called “early endorsement moves” aimed at securing another term for the sitting legislator, insisting such actions violate established rotational principles.
According to the group, Lokoja I has maintained a zoning structure since 1999 that ensures fairness and balance among its wards, adding that no single ward or individual should dominate representation at the expense of others.
They argued that Ward A has yet to produce a member of the State House of Assembly under the current democratic arrangement and should be given priority in 2027 as a matter of equity and political justice.
The forum traced past representation patterns, noting that Ward D produced Rt. Hon. Alfa Imam between 2015 and 2019, Ward C produced Hon. Isa Umar from 2019 to 2023, while the incumbent, Hon. Bin Ebiya Shehu, hails from Ward B.
“By this established sequence, fairness demands that Ward A should be given the opportunity in 2027. Any attempt to disrupt this balance amounts to political manipulation and exclusion,” the statement read.
The aspirants alleged that some interests were already pushing for the endorsement of the incumbent, warning that such moves could erode trust within the party and provoke internal crisis.
While affirming their respect for democratic competition, the forum insisted it would resist any attempt to impose a candidate under the guise of consensus or endorsement.
“Democracy must be anchored on fairness, participation, and respect for established understanding—not imposition or manipulation disguised as agreement,” they stated.
They urged the APC leadership in Kogi State to intervene urgently to preserve internal democracy and ensure a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group further warned that ignoring the zoning arrangement could trigger resentment within the party and weaken its cohesion going into the next electoral cycle.
Kogi 2027: APC aspirants reject imposition, demand zoning justice
