As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, a significant political movement has emerged within Mopamuro. The Mopamuro Progressive Leaders Forum has unequivocally announced its support for the reelection of Hon. Leke Abejide, the current lawmaker representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

In a notable development, the group also distanced itself from a recent publication titled “The Position of Mopamuro Leaders on the 2027 Yagba Federal Constituency Election.” The leaders described this publication as unrepresentative of the current political landscape in Mopamuro and misaligned with the strategic interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Addressing the Controversy

A rejoinder signed by over 20 prominent APC leaders, including former government officials and local stakeholders, clarified their stance. While they respect every citizen’s right to political expression, they emphasised that the outdated notion of rotational representation—without considering recent electoral dynamics—could harm party unity and electoral success.

A statement issued on Tuesday, signed by key figures such as Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, and Hon. Bolanle Ampitan, former Commissioner for Women Affairs, highlighted that despite putting forward APC candidates in both 2019 and 2023, Mopamuro’s candidate, Leke Abejide, triumphed because of his widespread popularity across the three LGAs. Notably, Abejide secured six out of ten wards in Mopamuro during the last election.

Electoral Strategy and Party Loyalty

“That alone is a clear indication that electoral victory demands strategic alliance, not entitlement,” the leaders stated. They announced plans to rally support for Abejide, urging him to join the APC and solidify his re-election bid under the ruling party’s banner, with the vision of fielding a more formidable candidate from all three LGAs in 2031.

The forum also criticised advocates of the rotational idea, accusing many of pursuing personal ambitions over the collective goal of party unity. Some signatories—who have previously lost to Abejide even on the APC platform—are positioning themselves for another attempt at election, despite historically limited support.

Calls for Party Unity

Amid these developments, the leaders commendably praised Arc. Yomi Awoniyi, calling him “a man of integrity and honour,” expressed their intention to engage with him directly to foster unity and mutual understanding within the party.

They posed a fundamental question: “What is better for Mopamuro and Yagba people? A nationally connected representative with a proven track record or a first-time legislator still finding his footing, driven by entitlement?”

Membership and Party Cohesion

The leaders further admonished some signatories for lacking valid APC membership at the ward level, encouraging them to regularize their membership before making further comments on party affairs.

A Call to Leke Abejide

Finally, the forum made a public appeal to Hon. Leke Abejide, urging him to join the APC. They assured him of full support from Mopamuro APC stakeholders, emphasizing that his presence would benefit the party and the region.

“It’s time for our party to benefit from your goodwill and achievements. Let’s unite to build a stronger APC and a better Yagba,” they declared.

Notable Signatories

The statement was signed by prominent personalities including Chief Yomi Charles Orunshola, Pastor Babatunde Samuel, Chief Babatunde Moses, Hon. Sogo Williams, and several former local government chairmen, secretaries, and senior aides from both past and present administrations in Kogi State.