The ruling All Progressives Congress in Kogi State appears headed for a major internal showdown after Senator Jibrin Echocho openly confronted Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over the controversial APC Senate primary, accusing forces loyal to the governor of orchestrating a manipulated process to end his political career.

In what political observers describe as one of the most explosive internal rebellions within Kogi APC since Ododo assumed office, the visibly angry senator declared that “the battle line has been drawn,” while threatening to challenge the governor in the next governorship election.

Echocho, who represents Kogi East Senatorial District, made the remarks in a fiery video message that has since gone viral across the state, deepening fears of a looming supremacy battle within the ruling party ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

The senator alleged that the APC Senate primary election was compromised from the outset, claiming that no genuine voting took place in his ward and that results were allegedly prepared in Government House before the exercise even began.

“That result is a nullity, and that result cannot even be announced,” Echocho declared angrily.

The lawmaker’s outburst signals a dramatic collapse in relations between two influential APC camps in Kogi. Until now, Echocho had been widely seen as one of the strongest loyalists of Governor Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello, popularly known as GYB.

In his emotional remarks, Echocho reminded the governor of the support he had consistently given to the administration, insisting that he had never positioned himself as a threat to Ododo’s political future.

“I have been very supportive of your administration. I have been very loyal to you and to GYB,” the senator said.

Echocho further revealed that despite repeated calls from supporters urging him to pursue the governorship, he had deliberately focused on strengthening the APC structure in Kogi East through empowerment programmes, constituency projects and grassroots mobilization.

“I have told everybody who cares to listen that I don’t want to contest for governor,” he said.
According to him, the political structures and projects he was building across Kogi East were designed to consolidate support for the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and even Governor Ododo ahead of future elections.

But the senator said the alleged attempt to deny him the Senate ticket has now forced him to reconsider his political position.
“But since you are now out to fight me, take it from me today, the battle line has been drawn,” he warned.

In perhaps the strongest indication yet that the crisis could spiral into a direct political confrontation, Echocho openly declared his readiness to contest against Ododo for the governorship.

“I am going to contest with you. I have the right,” he stated bluntly.
The development has sent shockwaves through Kogi political circles, with many party members worried that the crisis could fracture the APC’s structure in the state if not urgently managed.

Analysts say Echocho’s rebellion is particularly significant because of his political influence in Kogi East and his extensive grassroots network built through years of constituency engagement and empowerment initiatives.

The crisis is also emerging at a sensitive time for the APC in Kogi, following growing allegations of imposition, consensus arrangements and exclusion during the party primaries conducted across several constituencies in the state.

The latest confrontation comes just days after former senator Smart Adeyemi withdrew from the Senate race, further intensifying speculation over deepening divisions within the ruling party.

With tensions rising and supporters on both sides already taking positions, political observers fear that the face-off between Echocho and Ododo could evolve into one of the fiercest political battles in Kogi ahead of the next governorship election.