KOGI WEST 2027: Questions Trail Alleged Attempts to Alter APC Primary Election Reports

Fresh concerns have emerged over alleged attempts to alter official reports arising from the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Primary Election for Kogi West Senatorial District, as a group under the aegis of Concerned Kogi West Citizens warned against any form of interference with documents generated from the exercise.

The group, in a statement signed by Abdulkadir Akawu Angulu, insisted that three key documents—the Primary Election Report, the Appeal Committee Report, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Report—constitute the official records of the primary election and must remain unchanged.

According to the statement, the three reports are already in the public domain, with copies in the possession of stakeholders and members of the public, making their contents widely known.

The group, however, alleged that it had received credible information suggesting that certain interests were making efforts to tamper with the documents by altering their contents, producing fresh versions, and allegedly seeking to substitute the original findings in favour of a preferred candidate.

Describing such alleged moves as unacceptable and a threat to democratic principles, the concerned citizens maintained that the integrity of the primary election process must be preserved.

“We wish to state clearly, decisively and without ambiguity that the Primary Election Report must not be changed, the Appeal Committee Report must not be changed, and the INEC Report must not be changed,” the statement read.

The group argued that the documents were not working drafts or proposals open to review but official records of a process that was duly conducted, properly witnessed, lawfully documented and formally concluded.

According to the statement, the reports should remain exactly as they were originally submitted—unaltered, untouched and uncompromised.

The group further warned that any attempt to manipulate, replace or doctor the reports would not go unnoticed, insisting that such actions would be resisted through lawful means.

It called on the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to uphold the integrity of the party’s internal democratic processes by preserving the authenticity of the reports.

The statement also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to protect the integrity of its official records and resist any pressure capable of compromising the electoral process, stressing that both institutions owe their allegiance to the Nigerian people rather than to any individual or vested interest.

On the legal dispute surrounding the primary election, the concerned citizens noted that the matter is already before a court of competent jurisdiction, expressing confidence in the judiciary to determine the issues in accordance with the law.

The group said it believes the courts remain the last hope of the common man and expressed optimism that justice would protect the genuine outcome of the primary election from any alleged attempt at manipulation.

While reaffirming its commitment to lawful conduct and due process, the group stated that it was closely monitoring every development relating to the matter.

“We are watching every move, every signature and every submission. We are waiting with patience, discipline and irrefutable evidence. We are documenting every action, every discrepancy and every attempt,” the statement added.

The group further claimed that the original reports were already in safe custody and available in the public domain, warning that any version found to differ from the originals would be identified, exposed and challenged through legal means.

It maintained that the people of Kogi West remain vigilant, informed and determined to ensure that the integrity of the electoral process is preserved.

Reaffirming its confidence in the judicial process, the group urged all parties to allow the rule of law to prevail, while reiterating its insistence that none of the three reports—the Primary Election Report, the Appeal Committee Report and the INEC Report—should be altered under any circumstance.