In a significant display of party loyalty and administrative efficiency, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has formally submitted the official report of the Ekiti State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Primary Election to the party's National Secretariat in Abuja. The submission, which took place on Wednesday, underscores the smooth conduct of the primary and highlights the APC's commitment to internal democracy and legal compliance. Governor Ododo, who chaired the Ekiti State APC Governorship Primary Committee, assured party leaders that the entire process adhered strictly to both the nation's laws and the APC's constitutional guidelines, ensuring a transparent and hitch-free exercise.
The development was detailed in a comprehensive statement issued by Kingsley Femi Fanwo, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications. The statement emphasized the governor's role in overseeing one of the party's critical pre-election activities in Ekiti State, a move that reflects the growing trust placed in Ododo by the APC's national leadership. During the brief presentation ceremony at the National Secretariat, Governor Ododo expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, for entrusting him with this pivotal responsibility. He described the primary as a model of transparency, where every procedural and legal requirement was meticulously followed to avoid any disruptions or controversies.
A key highlight of Governor Ododo's remarks was his enthusiastic endorsement of the consensus mode adopted for the Ekiti primary. He hailed this approach as the most peaceful and effective method for selecting candidates within the party. "The consensus system remains the most peaceful mode," Ododo stated, arguing that it minimizes internal conflicts, promotes unity among party members, and fortifies the APC's organizational structures at both state and national levels. By avoiding the often divisive direct primaries or other contentious methods, the consensus approach, according to the governor, prevents unnecessary acrimony and ensures that the party emerges stronger and more cohesive ahead of general elections. This praise for consensus politics was particularly directed at President Tinubu, whom Ododo credited with upholding and promoting this unifying strategy within the APC. Tinubu's leadership, Ododo noted, has been instrumental in fostering institutional discipline and deepening democratic practices inside the party, setting a precedent for future primaries across Nigeria.
Receiving the report on behalf of the National Chairman, Dr. Chidi Duru, the APC's Deputy National Organizing Secretary, commended Governor Ododo for his exemplary handling of the assignment. Duru described the Kogi governor as "one of the star Governors of the party" who consistently delivers results with excellence. He expressed the National Working Committee's pride in Ododo's leadership, noting that the Ekiti primary's success was a testament to the governor's efficiency, impartiality, and dedication to party principles. Duru further reassured that the APC would continue to tap into Ododo's expertise for upcoming national tasks, given his proven track record in managing sensitive political processes. Echoing Ododo's sentiments, Duru reaffirmed the party's faith in the consensus mechanism, calling it a "novel and effective" tool for achieving peaceful nominations, especially in high-stakes governorship races. This method, he explained, not only streamlines candidate selection but also aligns with the APC's broader goal of maintaining harmony and focus on delivering good governance to Nigerians.
The submission ceremony was not merely a procedural formality; it symbolized the APC's evolving internal mechanisms under the current leadership. Governor Ododo elaborated on how the Ekiti experience demonstrates the party's maturation in handling primaries. He pointed out that the consensus mode has repeatedly proven its value in states where it has been implemented, leading to reduced litigation, fewer post-primary crises, and a more united front against opposition parties. This, in turn, allows APC governors and candidates to concentrate on developmental agendas rather than internal squabbles. Ododo's comments resonate with broader discussions within Nigerian politics about reforming primary election processes to curb the excesses often associated with competitive primaries, such as vote-buying, violence, and factionalism.
Beyond the primary report, Governor Ododo's activities in Abuja on the same day included a courtesy visit to the National Assembly. There, he met briefly with senators representing Kogi State to rally support for the recently appointed Chief of Army Staff, Major General Waidi Shaibu. The visit aimed to bridge the executive and legislative arms of government, fostering greater collaboration on national security matters and state-specific interests. Ododo used the occasion to reiterate his administration's unwavering commitment to promoting unity within Kogi State and advancing its priorities on the national stage. He emphasized the importance of harmonious relationships between different tiers of government in achieving sustainable development, security, and economic progress for the people of Kogi.
This dual engagement—submitting the Ekiti report and engaging with federal lawmakers—paints a picture of Governor Ododo as a proactive leader deeply embedded in both party affairs and national governance. His praise for President Tinubu's role in consensus politics is particularly noteworthy, as it aligns with Tinubu's longstanding advocacy for inclusive decision-making within the APC. Since assuming office, Tinubu has been credited with stabilizing the party through strategic appointments and conflict resolution mechanisms, and Ododo's acknowledgment reinforces this narrative.
The APC's embrace of consensus in Ekiti is part of a wider trend in Nigerian politics, where parties seek to mitigate the high costs and risks of open primaries. In Ekiti, the process reportedly involved extensive consultations among stakeholders, leading to a unanimous choice that avoided the pitfalls seen in past elections. Party officials believe this approach not only saves resources but also builds stronger loyalty among members, ultimately benefiting the party's electoral fortunes.
Dr. Duru's accolades for Ododo also highlight the governor's rising stature within the APC. As a relatively new governor, Ododo has quickly established himself as a reliable figure for national assignments, earning praise for his hands-on style and results-oriented approach. The National Working Committee's confidence in him signals potential for more prominent roles in future party activities, including the 2027 general elections.
In conclusion, Governor Ododo's submission of the Ekiti APC Governorship Primary report marks another successful chapter in the party's preparations for upcoming polls. By championing consensus politics and crediting President Tinubu for its sustenance, Ododo has reinforced the APC's image as a disciplined and forward-thinking organization. The event also underscores the interconnectedness of state and national politics, with leaders like Ododo playing crucial bridging roles. As Nigeria navigates its complex political landscape, such displays of unity and procedural integrity could serve as blueprints for other parties and states. The APC's leadership, through figures like Duru and Ganduje, continues to position the party as a beacon of stable governance, with Ododo emerging as one of its most dependable assets. This development not only bolsters the APC's internal cohesion but also contributes to the broader narrative of progressive politics in the country.
