Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has officially been cleared by the All Progressives Congress to contest the party’s senatorial primary, ending days of intense speculation surrounding his eligibility.
Bello’s name appeared among 17 aspirants approved by the APC National Assembly screening committee ahead of Monday’s primary elections across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts.
The former governor, listed as number 13 among cleared aspirants for Kogi Central Senatorial District, is expected to slug it out with Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the party’s ticket.
In Kogi West, political drama unfolded as serving Senator Sunday Karimi emerged as the consensus candidate after a high-level stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja.
Despite the clearance of other heavyweight contenders, including former Senator Smart Adeyemi and Aro Bamidele, insiders believe the consensus arrangement has placed Karimi firmly in pole position ahead of the primary.
The battle for Kogi East is also heating up, with seven aspirants cleared for the contest. Among them are incumbent Senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party moved swiftly to finalise its House of Representatives tickets through consensus arrangements across several constituencies in the state.
Former lawmaker Abdulrahman Badamasuiy clinched the PDP ticket for Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency, while Mohammed A. Etudaiye emerged for Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency. Lawal Idrisu also secured the party’s ticket for Ajaokuta Federal Constituency.
In Kogi West, Abdulkadir Ibrahim picked up the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency ticket, as Femi Victor Olubiyi emerged for Kabba/Bunu Federal Constituency. Ibigbemi Seun Samuel was returned unopposed for Yagba Federal Constitucy.
Kogi East also produced its candidates through affirmation and consensus, with Abubakar Yahaya emerging for Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, while former lawmaker Okolo Ikani Benjamin secured the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency ticket.
Former Idah Local Government Chairman Ukwenya Paul Ogwu equally emerged unopposed as the PDP candidate for Idah Federal Constituency.
Speaking after his affirmation in Ogaminana, Abdulrahman Badamasuiy expressed gratitude to party members and promised to deliver quality representation if elected.
“I want to sincerely appreciate party members for the peaceful manner in which the primary was conducted. I promise to deploy my wealth of experience as a former lawmaker to attract development projects when I get elected,” he said.
