By Eli Abdullahi
The All Progressives Congress in Kogi State is facing a serious internal crisis after a public fallout between Senator Jibrin Echocho and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over the conduct of the party’s Senate primary.
The dispute has heightened political tension across the state, raising fears that the ruling party could slide into deeper division ahead of the 2027 elections. 
In a viral video message, Echocho accused some actors within the state political structure of manipulating the primary process. He alleged that the exercise lacked credibility and was predetermined before voting began.
Kogi East lawmakers claimed no genuine voting occurred in his ward, stating that results had already been prepared inside Government House before the election took place. “That result is a nullity, and it cannot even be announced,” he said angrily.
Observers see the outburst as a direct challenge to Governor Ododo and the APC structure in Kogi, marking a sharp breakdown in what was once a close alliance. Echocho had previously been regarded as a key ally of both Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello, helping to sustain the party’s strength in Kogi East.
Echocho recalled years of loyalty to both leaders and said his focus had been on strengthening the APC in Kogi East through empowerment programs and constituency projects, even resisting calls to run for governor. “I have told everybody who cares to listen that I don’t want to contest for governor,” he added.
Kogi East Lawmakers said the alleged denial of the Senate ticket had changed the relationship between him and the governor, warning that a political battle line had been drawn. He also hinted at joining the governorship race, declaring, “I am going to contest with you. I have the right.”
Accordingly, the crisis has split APC stakeholders in the state, with analysts noting that Echocho’s influence in Kogi East could reshape the political landscape if unresolved. The situation comes amid wider complaints of imposition and exclusion in recent primaries, and has been compounded by the withdrawal of former Senator Smart Adeyemi from the Senate race, fueling speculation of widening cracks within the party .
