Tragedy struck the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State following the sudden death of the Ijumu Local Government Area party chairman, Oyewole Mayowa Solomon.

Solomon reportedly slumped and died on Friday during a peace and reconciliation meeting held at the Iyara Town Hall, the administrative headquarters of Ijumu Local Government Area.

The cause of his death was yet to be ascertained at the time of filing this report.

Sources at the meeting said the session was underway when Solomon suddenly collapsed, causing confusion among the political leaders and delegates in attendance.

Efforts were immediately made to administer first aid and rush Solomon to a medical facility in neighbouring Kabba. However, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.

The meeting had been convened by Funsho Olumoko, a former chairman of Ijumu Local Government Area who was recently tasked by the Ijumu Consultative Forum to harmonise political interests in the area.

The session was aimed at reconciling factions, resolving internal disputes and promoting unity among party stakeholders ahead of future political engagements.

The peace initiative followed an earlier meeting in Iyara where APC stakeholders endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for second terms.

However, the earlier meeting was marked by friction over local government leadership. The disagreement led to a walkout by Solomon and several top government functionaries.

Friday’s follow-up meeting was intended to bridge those divisions. It brought together selected political leaders, local government and ward executives, women and youth leaders, and government appointees representing all 15 wards in Ijumu Local Government Area.

Solomon’s sudden death has cast uncertainty over ongoing efforts to unify the party’s ranks in Kogi West ahead of the 2027 general elections.

No formal statement had been issued by the APC state executive or local authorities at the time of filing this report. (Arise News)