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Information has emerged that the Kogi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led by the Kogi State Government is under scrutiny following allegations that its candidate selection process has shifted from democratic participation to an autocratic system, with claims that nomination and expression of interest forms are being distributed to “unpopular candidates” under a so-called ‘Commandia’ arrangement. “If you are not call to come and pick form don’t bother yourself” the governor said
The system adopted by Governor Usman Ododo is far from democratic principles wherein all aspirants are given equal opportunities to present themselves before the grassroots. The unwholesome act has gained traction among some party members and observers in Kogi to describe a top-down selection method where party officials, rather than grassroots delegates, determine who receives forms and party backing ahead of upcoming elections. Critics argue the practice undermines internal party democracy and sidelines aspirants with broader grassroots support.
Several aggrieved aspirants and party stakeholders have accused the state leadership of allocating nomination and expression of interest forms to candidates perceived as lacking popularity or electoral viability within their constituencies. They contend that the process bypasses established party structures and disregards primary elections, effectively imposing candidates on the electorate, which might boomerang, as information available shows that many members might abandon the party soon.
“Democracy within the APC in Kogi has been reduced to directives from above,” one aggrieved aspirant said on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal. “Forms that should be open to all qualified members are being shared selectively, and many of us with strong followings have been locked out.” That no Aspirant have the opportunity of getting the form at the party secretariat in Abuja except you go through the state government’
The allegations have sparked discontent across the 21 local government areas, with some members warning that the approach could weaken the party’s electoral prospects and fuel apathy among its base.
As of press time, the Kogi APC leadership has not issued an official public statement directly addressing the ‘Commandia’ claims. Party officials who spoke off record also complained about the way and manner the process was handled, describing it as shameful for a party that claims to be the ruling party and has no opposition, to be indulging in such an act of lawlessness, ignoring the party’s constitution and national guidelines to select unpopular candidates that will make the party suffer during the elections.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for the APC in Kogi, where the party is seeking to consolidate its hold ahead of the 2027 election cycle. Internal disputes over candidate selection have historically been a flashpoint in the state’s politics, often leading to defections or protracted legal battles.
Political analysts note that while party leaders often have discretion in endorsing candidates, the perception of an exclusionary process can damage party cohesion. “When members feel the system is rigged, it erodes trust and creates an opening for opposition parties,” said a Lokoja-based political analyst.
Several civil society groups and youth wings within the APC have called for a transparent and inclusive process, urging the party’s national leadership to intervene and ensure that primaries are conducted fairly and openly.
For now, the dispute remains unresolved, with both supporters and opponents of the current approach awaiting formal guidelines from the APC national secretariat.
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