APC clears Yahaya Bello, 16 others for Kogi senatorial primaries

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and several other aspirants to contest in the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday in Kogi State.

Bello, whose eligibility had been widely speculated, was confirmed after his name appeared among the 17 cleared aspirants across the state’s three senatorial districts. He is listed for the Kogi Central race and is expected to compete against Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the party’s ticket.

In Kogi West, incumbent Senator Sunday Karimi emerged as the consensus candidate following a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Usman Ododo in Lokoja.

Although six other aspirants, including former Senator Smart Adeyemi, were also cleared by the screening committee, Karimi is widely regarded as the frontrunner after the consensus arrangement.

For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were approved to contest the primary, including incumbent Senator Isah Echocho, alongside Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has produced its House of Representatives candidates in Kogi through consensus in several constituencies.

Former lawmaker Abdulrahman Badamasuiy emerged as the PDP candidate for Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency, while Mohammed A. Etudaiye secured the ticket for Okene/Ogori-Magongo, and Lawal Idrisu emerged for Ajaokuta.

In Kogi West, Abdulkadir Ibrahim clinched the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency ticket, and Femi Victor Olubiyi emerged for Kabba/Bunu. Ibigbemi Seun Samuel was returned unopposed for Yagba Federal Constituency.

In Kogi East, Abubakar Yahaya secured the ticket for Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, while former lawmaker Okolo Ikani Benjamin emerged for Dekina/Bassa. Ukwenya Paul Ogwu was also returned unopposed for Idah Federal Constituency.

Speaking after his emergence, Badamasuiy commended party members for the peaceful conduct of the process and pledged to leverage his legislative experience to attract development projects and deliver effective representation if elected.