Tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State have escalated following a heated exchange between a party stakeholder, Michael Samuel Idoko, and a group known as the Kogi East PDP Elders Council over comments directed at Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Origin of the Dispute
The dispute began after the elders’ council issued a statement criticising Senator Natasha’s recent political engagements in Kogi East, particularly her visit to Idah Local Government Area, which they interpreted as politically provocative and capable of causing division within the party. The group’s position caused backlash from Idoko, a long-standing PDP member and grassroots mobiliser, who described their intervention as unnecessary and misleading. According to him, the elders’ statement misrepresented both the senator’s actions and the internal workings of the party, insisting that her visit should not have been turned into a political controversy.
Idoko’s Response
Reacting in a statement, Idoko questioned the legitimacy of the group speaking for the party in the first place, arguing that it does not represent any formal structure within the PDP. “Who exactly are these PDP elders? Who is Alhaji Ibrahim Dansofo in the constitutional structure of our party?” he asked. He added that the party operates through recognised organs and not informal or self-appointed groups. He accused the group of resurfacing mainly during election seasons, alleging that such actors often position themselves as power brokers to influence aspirants and political outcomes.
Idoko also defended Natasha, insisting that her political engagement in Kogi East was normal and within her rights as a member of the PDP and an elected representative. He argued that attempts to portray her visit as interference were misleading and harmful to party unity. “Senator Natasha’s presence in Kogi East is not a crime, nor is it an act of imposition. She is a ranking member of the PDP and a duly elected representative within the same political family. Her outreach should be commended as a unifying effort, not distorted into a phantom crisis.”
Warnings Against Division
The PDP chieftain further warned against what he described as attempts to divide the party along senatorial lines, stressing that such narratives undermine internal cohesion. He also referenced ongoing debates within the party over zoning arrangements, accusing the elders’ council of selectively ignoring decisions previously taken by recognised party structures. “Where were these voices when zoning arrangements were discussed and agreed upon by the appropriate organs of the party?” he asked.
Idoko maintained that the Senate seat arrangement within the party framework remains tied to Idah Federal Constituency and should not be subject to manipulation or reinterpretation for political convenience. He also dismissed allegations that Senator Natasha was attempting to impose candidates, describing the claim as politically motivated and aimed at stirring unnecessary tension within the party.
Call for Calm
He, however, called for calm and urged party members to resolve disputes through established PDP internal mechanisms rather than public confrontation. The incident highlights the deepening fissures within the Kogi PDP as stakeholders grapple with power dynamics and strategic positioning ahead of future elections.
