A few hours after the All
Progressives Congress (APC) opted for a fresh primary to fill the vacuum
created by the death of its governorship candidate in November 21 polls in Kogi
State, there were indications that no fewer than 27 aspirants are warming up to
grab the party’s ticket. Electoral umpire – the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) has asked the APC to replace its late candidate for the
supplementary election scheduled for December 5.
The Nation report continues:
Some
of the aspirants on from the three senatorial districts are: Alhaji
Yahaya Bello, Senator Abatemi Usman, Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar (Gamji), Adinoyi
Onukaba-Ojo and Sadiq Adaba (Kogi Central); Suleiman Baba Ali, Otunba
Suleiman Lanre, Dr Yakeen Abdullahi, Rotimi Obadofin, Olusola Olumoroti and
Clarence Obafemi (Kogi West) and Sani Shu’aibu, Air Vice Marshal Atawodi
Saliu, Hadiza Ibrahim, Abdullahi Suleiman, Yakubu Mohammed, Senator
Yahaya Ugbane, James Ocholi (SAN), Abutu Ejeh, Hussain Idris, Sunday Edibo, Dr.
Tim Nda Diche, Aliyu Jiya, Alex Kadiri and Usman Mainyanga (Kogi East).
The
fate of Bello and James Ocholi, who is the Minister of State for Labour &
Productivity, was however unknown as at press time. It was also unclear if
veteran journalist Yakubu Mohammed, rated as one of the morally upright
aspirants, will be interested in the primaries.
When
contacted, Abatemi said: “I am just hearing the pronouncement. We just did a
quick evaluation of where we are and we have resolved that we will proceed to
the field. I am contesting for the governorship ticket.”
On
his part, Baba Ali, who spoke through his media aide, Mohammed Bashir, said: “I
will be taking part in the primaries.”
Adinoyi-Ojo,
who is also a seasoned journalist, told our correspondent: “I am interested in
the fresh primaries.”
AVM
Atawodi, who was abroad, spoke with this newspaper yesterday. He said: “I have
just been told of the party’s position. I am going to contest in the
primaries. I have been in touch with home and I will soon be heading back.”
A media consultant to Echocho,
said: “Echocho will participate in the primaries.”
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