Agency Report
The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Shaibu Abubakar-Audu, has rebuffed calls for his resignation from the role of the All Progressives Party’s (APC) campaign Director-General for the upcoming Nov. 11 governorship election in Kogi. The state’s APC chapter firmly asserted this stance on Monday.
Media and Publicity Director of the Governorship Campaign Council, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo, addressed the press, dismissing the calls for Abubakar-Audu’s resignation as orchestrated by “some hired goons” with “divisive reasons” in mind.
The individuals making these demands contend that Abubakar-Audu’s continued presence as the campaign council’s director-general might tarnish his image, given the evolving nature of the campaigns.
Fanwo defended Abubakar-Audu, emphasizing his commitment to conducting a campaign aimed at ushering in Alhaji Usman Ododo, the APC candidate, into an era of consolidation and continuity.
He stated, “No amount of ethnic parroting can distract the politically sagacious minister from the historic task ahead. His late father, Prince Abubakar Audu (former governor of Kogi), was committed to a united, prosperous, and peaceful Kogi. The director-general is only following his father’s footsteps.”
Fanwo further claimed that the rising popularity of the minister and his strong connection with the people of Kogi have become a source of concern for certain politicians.
He also asserted that the APC’s campaign has been centered on issues, devoid of violence, ethnocentric narratives, or divisive tendencies, under the leadership of the campaign chairman and Governor Yahaya Bello.
Fanwo highlighted the importance of the APC’s issue-based campaign, focused on promises, assurances, and a social contract with the people of Kogi through media communication.
He concluded by urging security agencies to investigate the recent incident in Lokoja and ensure that those responsible are prosecuted, serving as a deterrent to potential troublemakers in Kogi.
The political landscape in Kogi remains dynamic as the Nov. 11 governorship election draws nearer, with Abubakar-Audu’s unwavering commitment to the campaign emerging as a prominent topic of discussion.