Don’t plunge Kogi into crisis, Faleke’s aide tells APC

Tom Ohikere, head of media, Abubakar Audu/James Faleke campaign organisation, has warned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) not to take any action capable of plunging Kogi state into crisis.

Ohikere, who gave the warning in Lokoja on Saturday, advised John Oyegun, national chairman of the ruling party, not to allow “his selfish interest to ruin the party”.

He also warned the APC leadership not to misrepresent the party as an Islamic organisation, saying the party was founded for all Nigerians irrespective of ethnicity and religion.

He described the decision to replace the late Abubakar Audu with Yahaya Bello, who came second in the primary, as “illegal and moral burden” on Oyegun and other members of the national working committee.

Ohikere also described the comments made by Abubakar Malami, minister of justice and attorney-general of the federation, on how to find replacement for late Audu as “pure script reading”.

“I do not agree with the AGF on his position regarding the nomination of another candidate by the APC,” he said.

“I however agree that supplementary election can be conducted by INEC.

“Surprisingly, all these arguments seem to have overlooked the provisions of section 187 (1) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended.”

He said Faleke was an associate candidate in the governorship election and should be allowed constitutionally to become the party’s candidate.

“Faleke was not just a candidate of the APC in that election, but has acquired vested rights in the results declared to simply nominate a running mate who will conclude the process along with him,” he said.