By Kehind Akinpelu, Ilorin,
The political atmosphere in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency has become increasingly charged following a strongly worded reaction by the Kogi State Coordinator of the Atiku/Amaechi Youth Campaign Council, Comrade Monday Odiaka, who dismissed the purported endorsement of Hon. Salman Idris for a second term in the House of Representatives by alleged foundational members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a political scam.
Odiaka, reacting to reports that some individuals parading themselves as foundational members and stakeholders of the ADC across the 30 wards of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency had endorsed the federal lawmaker, described the development as a misleading political arrangement designed to create an impression of widespread acceptance.
According to him, those behind the purported endorsement had long abandoned the ADC for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), making their continued identification as ADC foundational members questionable.
“This is nothing but APC endorsing APC. Those claiming to be foundational members of the ADC left the party for the APC long ago. They are no longer members of the ADC, and it is politically misleading for them to present themselves as representatives of a party they have since abandoned,” Odiaka alleged.
The campaign coordinator maintained that the circumstances surrounding the endorsement raised fundamental questions about political sincerity, party loyalty and the credibility of the individuals involved.
He argued that genuine political endorsements should reflect the authentic decisions of recognised party members and stakeholders rather than what he characterised as a carefully packaged exercise aimed at manufacturing political relevance.
Odiaka further alleged that the individuals behind the endorsement had identified what he described as the political vulnerability of Hon. Salman Idris and were taking advantage of his perceived desperation to secure endorsements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“They have only seen Hon. Salman Idris as vulnerable and desperate for endorsement. Otherwise, how can people who allegedly defected from ADC to APC suddenly resurface as ADC foundational members to endorse an APC lawmaker? It is simply APC endorsing APC,” he stated.
He questioned the political credibility of an endorsement purportedly coming from opposition party stakeholders whose current membership of the ADC, according to his allegations, could not be substantiated.
Odiaka insisted that the electorate in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency deserved transparent political engagement anchored on verifiable achievements, responsible representation and genuine grassroots support.
He maintained that political popularity could not be established through what he described as questionable endorsements, stressing that the ultimate judgment of any elected representative should rest with the electorate.
The campaign coordinator also cautioned against attempts to present the political preferences of individuals as the collective position of an entire political party without the necessary institutional authority.
He emphasised that the growing political consciousness of the electorate would make it increasingly difficult for politicians and their supporters to substitute publicity-driven endorsements for substantive democratic accountability.
“The people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu are politically enlightened. They know the difference between genuine endorsement and political stage-management. No amount of political packaging can transform APC members into authentic ADC stakeholders,” Odiaka maintained.
The controversy comes amid growing political realignments and consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as political actors and prospective candidates intensify efforts to consolidate support across Kogi State.
While Odiaka has challenged the legitimacy of the purported endorsement, his allegations regarding the current party affiliations of those involved have not been independently verified.
The reactions of Hon. Salman Idris, the individuals behind the endorsement and the recognised leadership of the ADC would be relevant in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the development.
Nevertheless, Odiaka maintained that the reported endorsement should be subjected to public scrutiny, insisting that “APC endorsing APC should never be misrepresented as ADC endorsing APC.”
