Senator protests result of Kogi APC senatorial primaries

Controversy and protests trailed Monday’s All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries in Kogi State, even as former Governor Yahaya Bello and other aspirants won in their respective districts. Tension flared in Kogi East Senatorial District where incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, rejected the conduct of the primary election.

In a viral video, the visibly agitated senator alleged that election materials and officials were absent in several wards, including his own, insisting that no proper election took place. Echocho accused party officials of bias, claiming that results were “prepared at the Government House before the commencement of the exercise. ” “That result is a nullity.,” he indicated.

The senator also threatened to challenge Governor Ahmed Ododo in the 2027 governorship election if the outcome of the senatorial primary did not favour him. “I am going to contest against you. I have the right. The battle line has been drawn,”.

He maintained that his constituency projects and empowerment programmes were designed to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections for President Bola Tinubu and Ododo, while accusing the governor of turning against him despite his loyalty to both Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello. In Kogi West Senatorial District, another aspirant, Ustaz Abubakar Ola, also raised concerns before voting commenced. He alleged plans. that voting was disrupted by thugs in centres where he enjoyed strong support.