By Danjuma Amodu | February 11, 2026
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State have reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and grassroots political mobilisation. The stakeholders, who met at a strategic meeting, resolved to work together to strengthen the party and ensure success in future electoral contests.
Unity and Cooperation
The meeting, held at the Lokoja residence of Professor Usman Ogbo, brought together party leaders, elders, and key stakeholders from across the local government area. The stakeholders adopted a resolution urging all aspirants to declare their ambitions through their ward chairmen and stakeholders, with a 48-hour window given for declarations.
Party Chairman, Hon. Muhammed Salihu Jibril, welcomed stakeholders and commended members for attending the meeting, describing it as a platform for candid discussions on issues affecting the party in Ankpa. He implored party stakeholders to abide by whatever resolutions emerged from the meeting, which would ultimately strengthen peace, harmony, and engender mutual understanding among party faithful.
Call for Peace and Reconciliation
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of Ankpa Local Government Area, Engr. Mohammed Ademu Yahaya, urged party members to prioritise peace, reconciliation, and unity. He reiterated that the primary aim of the meeting was to promote peace, reconciliation, and foster unity among members. He stressed that past misunderstandings within the party should not be allowed to create divisions among members going forward.
“Our party, the APC, remains a broad-based political platform with supporters and stakeholders across the state and should never be taken for granted,” the Chairman added.
The Chairman tasked party members and stakeholders to return to their respective wards and intensify grassroots mobilisation in line with the directives of Governor Usman Ododo.
Purpose of the Meeting
Providing details on the purpose of the meeting, the host, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, commended stakeholders for their attendance and acknowledged the strong political presence of the APC in Ankpa Local Government Area, describing it as one of the most politically vibrant areas within the federal constituency.
He expressed concern, however, that persistent internal disagreements and unhealthy rivalries among political actors had previously slowed the pace of development in the area.
Prof. Usman stressed the need for renewed unity among party faithful, noting that the issues causing disunity had been addressed, and stakeholders should collectively embrace a new path of cooperation and development. He urged members to prioritise the development of Ankpa Local Government Area above personal interests, emphasising that unity within the party would position the APC to achieve greater electoral success.
Developmental Interventions
Prof. Usman appreciated the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for prioritising developmental interventions in Ankpa, particularly the ongoing erosion control efforts addressing severe environmental challenges.
Prof. Usman stressed that, with unity and coordinated political efforts, the APC would be well-positioned to secure victory in future elections, adding that the experiences of the 2019 and 2023 elections should serve as lessons for stakeholders.
He added that, preparations for future electoral contests must begin early, urging party members to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 elections.
Electoral Process
Prof. Usman clarified that neither he nor party stakeholders have the authority to impose candidates, noting that the party will continue to be guided by democratic principles and grassroots participation.
He advised aspirants to formally declare their ambitions through their ward chairmen and leaders, prioritising credible and electable candidates who can deliver effective representation and good governance.
The Resolutions
Several speakers, including Rt. Hon. Rabiu Ishaka Alfa, called for sustained unity, peace, and cooperation among APC stalwarts, emphasising credible and sellable candidates.
The Zonal Organising Secretary, Hon. Musa Ishaka, reiterated the need for unity and internal cohesion. From the aggregations of the deliberations, the stakeholders adopted the following resolutions:
– Ankpa LGA is open to National Assembly seats zoned to Ankpa Federal Constituency.
– Aspirants must declare ambitions through ward chairmen and stakeholders.
– A 48-hour window is given for aspirants to declare ambitions through ward structures.
Meeting Closes with Unity Pledge
The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening unity within the APC and working collaboratively to ensure the party’s success in future electoral contests.
