The Senator representing Kogi East Senatorial District, Isah Jibrin, on Thursday, insisted that he remains the “authentic candidate” of the All Progressives Congress for the district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jibrin, popularly known as Echocho, dismissed reports suggesting that an APC senatorial primary election was conducted in the district, describing the claims as false, fabricated and politically motivated.
The lawmaker made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja amid growing controversy surrounding the APC senatorial ticket in Kogi East following reports that he lost his ward during the party’s primary exercise after allegedly polling zero votes.
The reports claimed that Joseph Erico, believed to be the preferred aspirant of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, secured 3,642 votes in the contest.
Jibrin, however, denied the authenticity of the exercise, insisting that no valid primary election took place in the district.
He also dismissed viral social media reports alleging that he had withdrawn from the race or stepped down for another aspirant.
According to him, he neither made such comments nor authorised anyone to speak on his behalf.
“Let me state categorically and without ambiguity: I remain the authentic candidate of the APC in Kogi East and firmly committed to seeking the mandate of my people once again under the platform of our great party, the APC,” he said.
“At no time did I withdraw, step down, or authorise any individual or group to issue statements on my behalf regarding such baseless claims.”
The senator further maintained that he had not informed any individual, institution or authority of plans to abandon his re-election bid.
“Never at any point — verbally or in writing — have I informed anyone, institution, or authority that I will not return to the Senate in 2027,” he said.
“I remain stoic, resolute, focused, and more prepared than ever to continue rendering quality representation to the good people of Kogi East.
“I urge the leadership and hierarchy of our great party, the APC, as well as my supporters and stakeholders across the district, not to fall for the antics and ploys of fifth columnists whose only stock-in-trade is confusion, blackmail, and political mischief.”
Jibrin accused unnamed political actors of sponsoring fake reports because they lacked the support of the people in the district.
“It is obvious that the sponsors of these fake reports have descended into panic mode,” he said.
“Having failed to gain the confidence and support of the people, they have resorted to crude propaganda, misinformation, and desperate, underhanded tactics in a futile attempt to distort reality and create unnecessary tension within our political family.”
The senator warned that no amount of propaganda would erode the support he currently enjoys across Kogi East.
