Nigeria News Today: Idoko Blasts PDP ‘Elders’ in Kogi, Alleges Extortion and Hidden Agendas
By Queen Madaki
The Bureau News reports that a fresh internal crisis has erupted within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi State, following a strong rebuttal by party stakeholder, Michael Samuel Idoko, against a group identified as the Kogi East PDP Elders Council.
Idoko, a long-standing member and grassroots mobiliser within the party, described the group’s recent statement against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as misleading, politically motivated, and lacking legitimacy.
The Bureau News: Idoko Questions Legitimacy of PDP Elders Council
Reacting to a widely circulated statement attributed to the group, Idoko challenged both the identity and constitutional standing of the so-called elders.
He argued that the PDP is governed by established structures and not by what he described as “faceless individuals” who emerge during election cycles.
According to him, the group does not represent any recognised organ within the party’s framework.
Nigeria News Today: Allegations of Opportunism and Political Manipulation
Idoko accused members of the council of acting as opportunists who resurface during political seasons to influence outcomes for personal gain.
He alleged that such actors often position themselves as intermediaries to aspirants, claiming influence while pursuing private interests.
He further claimed that the recent criticism of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not based on principle but driven by hidden political interests.
Defence of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
In his response, Idoko defended the actions of the Kogi Central lawmaker, stating that her engagement with stakeholders across the state should not be misconstrued.
He maintained that her outreach reflects party unity and participation, rather than interference in regional affairs.
Idoko also warned against attempts to create divisions within the party along regional lines, describing such narratives as harmful to the PDP’s national outlook.
Zoning Dispute and Internal Party Structure
Addressing the issue of zoning, Idoko insisted that existing arrangements within the party should be respected.
He noted that decisions on zoning were made through recognised party channels and should not be subject to reinterpretation.
According to him, any attempt to alter agreed structures undermines internal democracy and due process.
Rejection of Imposition Claims
Idoko dismissed allegations that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was attempting to impose candidates, describing such claims as unfounded.
He stated that political endorsement remains a legitimate aspect of democratic engagement and should not be equated with imposition.
Call for Restraint and Party Unity
He urged members of the party to channel grievances through established internal mechanisms rather than public confrontations.
Idoko warned against what he described as defamatory attacks and called for discipline among party stakeholders.
He further emphasised that the PDP remains a structured political institution guided by rules, not individual interests.
The Bureau News understands that the development has intensified internal debates within the Kogi State chapter of the PDP, as political activities ahead of future elections continue to gather momentum.
