Kogi ADC rejects suspension of congresses

The Kogi State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has asked party members to disregard a purported suspension of congresses in the state.

The directive was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the party’s publicity secretary, Abdumalik Suleiman.

“The African Democratic Congress, Kogi State Chapter, wishes to inform party members, stakeholders, and the general public to disregard the purported suspension of congresses in Kogi State contained in a letter issued by the State outgoing Chairman, Mr Kingsley Ogga,” Suleiman said.

He added that “the outgoing chairman, Mr Kingsley Ogga, lacks the constitutional authority to suspend congresses in the state. In issuing that directive, he usurped the powers of the National Working Committee (NWC), the only organ of the party vested with the authority to commence or halt electoral processes within the party.”

Suleiman noted that “the action also directly contravenes the extant laws governing the party and defies the clear resolution of the party’s NEC, which affirmed that all processes leading to the National Convention, including the conduct of congresses from the ward to the national level, shall proceed as scheduled.”

He further stated that “the National Working Committee has already given its approval for the congresses to go ahead. No state chapter or officer has the power to override that directive.”

Suleiman urged all aspirants, delegates, and party members across Kogi State to “disregard the directives and remain calm, law-abiding, and fully mobilised for the congresses. All ward, local government, state, and national congresses will hold as planned.”

He reiterated that “the ADC in Kogi State remains committed to internal democracy, due process, and the rule of law. Any attempt to derail the party’s timetable through unlawful pronouncements by hirelings and fifth columnists will be treated as a breach of party discipline.”