APC clears Yahaya Bello, Karimi for Kogi senatorial primaries

The immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, and Senator Sunday Karimi, are among aspirants cleared by the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee ahead of the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday in Kogi State.

The APC screening committee approved 17 senatorial aspirants across the state’s three senatorial districts to participate in the exercise.

Bello, whose eligibility had generated speculation in recent days, was officially confirmed after his name appeared among cleared aspirants for the Kogi Central Senatorial District contest.

The former governor is expected to compete against Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the APC ticket in the district.

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

Although other aspirants, including former Senator Smart Adeyemi and Aro Bamidele, were also cleared, political observers believe the consensus arrangement has strengthened Karimi’s position ahead of the primary.

For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were cleared by the committee, including incumbent Senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh, and Murtala Ajaka.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also concluded consensus arrangements for several House of Representatives tickets in the state.

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

Other PDP candidates produced through consensus include Abdulkadir Ibrahim for Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency, Femi Victor Olubiyi for Kabba/Bunu, and Ibigbemi Seun Samuel, who emerged 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 Federal Constituency.

Speaking after his emergence, Abdulrahman Badamasuiy thanked party members for the peaceful conduct of the exercise and pledged to use his legislative experience to attract development projects and provide effective representation if elected.

Follow Very Nigerian WhatsApp Channel
For Verified Breaking News, Exclusive Reports, Trending Stories, And Real-time Updates.
CLICk HERE TO JOIN!