Wada, Echocho In War Of Words Over Alleged Plot To Disrupt PDP Guber Primary

The Jibrin Isah Campaign Organisation (JICO) yesterday alleged that some group of young men sympathetic to Governor Idris Wada’s cause have been recruited to disrupt the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday).

Alhaji Jibril Isah Echocho is the major obstacle standing between Gov. Wada and the PDP governorship ticket for Kogi.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed November 21 as date for the governorship election in the state. Already, the All Progressives Congress, APC, has picked ex-governor, Prince Abubakar Audu, as its flag bearer.

A statement by the Director-General of JICO, Fenti Dada, drew “the attention of the public as well as security agencies to the plan by the governor’s supporters to disrupt the PDP gubernatorial primaries”.

The statement added: “We have it on good authority that the hunter, who has now become the hunted, has recruited young men, mainly youths, to disrupt the primary by causing bodily harm to delegates and supporters of Alhaji Jibrin Isah Echocho.

“The plot is despicable, desperate and a sign that he (the governor) does not have the interest of the state as well as the party, PDP at heart. Most worrisome is the promise of political appointments to the thugs at the end of the exercise.

“Governor Wada should know that, we are aware of his plan and wish to remind him that as the chief security officer of the state, his responsibility is to protect lives and properties and not the other way round.

“Governor Wada should also be reminded that the recently held gubernatorial primary of the APC was rancour-free, despite the fact that over 27 aspirants were involved.

“The good people of Kogi State deserve a better deal and as such, no amount of intimidation will deter the supporters and well-wishers of Alhaji Isah from freely exercising their franchise.

“We wish to assure our numerous supporters that the relevant security organisations have been informed of the wicked plan o and that Governor Wada should be held responsible in the event of any unpleasant occurrence”.

When contacted, Wada described his challenger’s allegation as a diversionary tactic.

His media adviser, Jacob Edi, said: “This is devious, malicious and diversionary. Let them go to the field and stop crying foul where there’s none. The issues in this primary are very clear. Governor Wada is a stickler for due process. So, it is trite to make such ill-considered and baseless insinuations.

“We challenge them to summon courage and come to the field. But I assure that Wada will win”.