From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, Hon. Oyewole Mayowa Solomon, has reportedly died after collapsing during a party reconciliation meeting in Iyara, the council headquarters.
The incident occurred on Friday while Solomon was participating in a meeting convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko, as part of efforts to foster unity among APC stakeholders in the area.
The meeting, convened by a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area, Funsho Olumoko was held at the Iyara Town Hall, was aimed at bringing together party leaders and stakeholders to resolve differences strengthencooperation ahead of future political activities.
According to an eye witness account, Solomon, was actively participating in the meeting holding at Iyara Town Hall when he suddenly slumped throwing participants into confusion and panic.
Sources at the meeting said Solomon suddenly collapsed while proceedings were ongoing, causing confusion and panic among participants.
Efforts were reportedly made to revive him and secure medical attention, but he was said to have died shortly afterwards in an hospital in Kabba, where he was rushed to.
The development sent shock waves through the gathering, with party leaders and other participants said to have been left devastated by the sudden death of the APC chairman.
The meeting came amid ongoing efforts by APC stakeholders in Ijumu to resolve internal disagreements and promote greater unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Earlier in August, APC stakeholders in the local government had gathered in Iyara, where they endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for re-election.
The stakeholders also called for unity among party members. However, the earlier gathering was reportedly characterised by disagreements over the leadership of the local government, with Solomon and some other officials said to have walked out of the meeting.
Olumoko, who convened Friday’s reconciliation meeting, had previously served as chairman of the local government and had been involved in efforts to bring together various political interests in Ijumu.
Solomon’s death is expected to have an impact on ongoing reconciliation efforts within the Ijumu APC, particularly as the party intensifies preparations for the 2027 elections.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding his sudden death had not been officially disclosed by relations or the APC leadership in the area.
