The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State seems set for a major internal crisis after Senator Jibrin Echocho openly challenged Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over the disputed APC Senate primary, alleging that individuals loyal to the governor masterminded a rigged process aimed at ending his political career.
In what political analysts have described as one of the fiercest internal uprisings within the Kogi APC since Ododo took office, the visibly upset senator stated that “the battle line has been drawn,” while vowing to confront the governor in the next governorship election.
Echocho, who represents the Kogi East Senatorial District, made the statement in a fiery video message that has since gone viral across the state, fueling concerns over an impending power struggle within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 political season.
The senator alleged that the APC Senate primary was manipulated from the beginning, claiming that no real voting occurred in his ward and that the results had allegedly been compiled at the Government House before the exercise even started.
“That result is a nullity, and that result cannot even be announced,” Echocho declared angrily.
The lawmaker’s outburst suggests a dramatic breakdown in relations between two powerful APC factions in Kogi. Until recently, Echocho was widely regarded as one of the staunchest allies of Governor Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello, popularly known as GYB.
Echocho, whose remarks were emotional reminded the governor of the unwavering support he had consistently offered the administration, stressing that he had never presented himself as a threat to Ododo’s political future.
“I have been very supportive of your administration. I have been very loyal to you and to GYB,” the senator said.
Echocho further disclosed that despite persistent appeals from supporters encouraging him to contest for governor, he intentionally concentrated on strengthening the APC structure in Kogi East through empowerment initiatives, constituency projects, and grassroots mobilization.
Echocho also disclosed that despite continuous pressure from supporters urging him to seek the governorship seat, he chose instead to focus on consolidating the APC structure in Kogi East through empowerment schemes, constituency interventions, and grassroots mobilization efforts.
“I have told everybody who cares to listen that I don’t want to contest for governor,” he said.
According to him, the political structures and projects he was building across Kogi East were designed to consolidate support for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and even Governor Ododo ahead of future elections.
However, the senator said the alleged move to deny him the Senate ticket has compelled him to rethink his political stance.
“But since you have chosen to fight me, take it from me today — the battle line has been drawn,” he warned.
In what may be the clearest sign yet that the crisis could escalate into a direct political showdown, Echocho openly expressed his willingness to challenge Ododo for the governorship seat.“I am going to contest with you. I have the right,” he stated bluntly.
The development has sent shockwaves through Kogi political circles, with many party members worried that the crisis could fracture the APC’s structure in the state if not urgently managed.In what may be the clearest sign yet that the crisis could escalate into a direct political showdown, Echocho openly expressed his willingness to challenge Ododo for the governorship seat.
Analysts say Echocho’s revolt is especially significant due to his strong political influence in Kogi East and the vast grassroots network he has cultivated through years of constituency outreach and empowerment programmes.
The latest clash comes only days after former senator Smart Adeyemi pulled out of the Senate race, further fueling speculation about widening cracks within the ruling party.
As tensions are escalating and supporters on both sides already aligning themselves, political observers fear that the standoff between Echocho and Ododo could develop into one of the most intense political battles in Kogi ahead of the next governorship election.
