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.
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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