Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and Senator Sunday Karimi have been cleared by the All Progressives Congress screening committee to participate in the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday in Kogi State.
The APC screening committee approved 17 aspirants from the three senatorial districts ahead of the primaries.
Yahaya Bello, whose eligibility had sparked speculation in recent days, was confirmed for the Kogi Central Senatorial District contest after his name appeared on the official list of cleared aspirants. He is expected to contest the party’s ticket alongside Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke.
In Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi emerged as the consensus candidate following a stakeholders’ meeting presided over by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja.
Although six other aspirants, including former Senator Smart Adeyemi and Aro Bamidele, were also cleared, political observers believe Karimi holds a strong advantage due to the consensus arrangement.
For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were cleared for the APC primary, including incumbent Senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh, and Murtala Ajaka.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party also produced several House of Representatives candidates in Kogi State through consensus arrangements.
Former lawmaker Abdulrahman Badamasuiy emerged as the PDP candidate for Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency. Mohammed A. Etudaiye secured the Okene/Ogori-Magongo ticket, while Lawal Idrisu emerged for Ajaokuta Federal Constituency.
In Kogi West, Abdulkadir Ibrahim won the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency ticket, while Femi Victor Olubiyi emerged as the candidate for Kabba/Bunu Federal Constituency. Ibigbemi Seun Samuel was returned unopposed for Yagba Federal Constituency.
For Kogi East, Abubakar Yahaya secured the ticket for Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, while former lawmaker Okolo Ikani Benjamin emerged unopposed for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency. Former Idah Local Government Chairman Ukwenya Paul Ogwu also emerged unopposed as the PDP candidate for Idah Federal Constituency.
Speaking after his affirmation in Ogaminana, Abdulrahman Badamasuiy thanked party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and promised to use his legislative experience to attract development projects and provide effective representation for his constituency.
