Oshiomhole denies attacking Kogi Gov, Bello over APC ticket

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed as false reports circulating on social media concerning its forthcoming governorship primaries in Kogi and Bayelsa states.

The party particularly denied reports attributed to its National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, concerning the chances of Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello securing the APC governorship ticket.

A viral social media report had quoted Oshiomhole as allegedly saying that Bello would be denied the party’s ticket because of claims that his administration had failed to pay workers’ salaries and adequately implement the APC’s manifesto.

However, in a statement issued in Abuja by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party described the report and similar statements circulating online as fabricated.

The APC said it initially ignored the reports but decided to respond after the alleged statements continued to gain attention on social media.

According to the party, neither the APC leadership nor Oshiomhole had made any official statement concerning the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship primaries.

It described the various quotations attributed to the national chairman as inventions intended to create confusion and controversy within the party.

The APC maintained that it remained committed to democratic principles and would ensure that the processes leading to the selection of its governorship candidates were conducted in accordance with the party’s rules.

It said the National Working Committee would provide a level playing field for all aspirants seeking the party’s governorship tickets in both states.

The party also linked its position to President Muhammadu Buhari’s stated commitment to strengthening participatory democracy, assuring members that established procedures would be followed throughout the primary-election process.

According to the APC, official guidelines and other relevant information concerning the Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections would be released through authorised party channels at the appropriate time.

It therefore advised party members, supporters and the general public to disregard unofficial statements and quotations being circulated on social media concerning the governorship primaries.