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, and cannot even be announced,” he said.
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,” Echocho declared.
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 to intimidate his supporters and claimed that voting was disrupted by thugs in centres where he enjoyed strong support.
Despite the disputes, turnout was described as massive across the state’s three senatorial districts.
In Agassa, the hometown of former governor and Kogi Central aspirant, Bello, supporters turned out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.
Bello commended delegates for what he described as a peaceful process and praised party officials for adhering to electoral guidelines, saying the exercise reflected the APC’s capacity to conduct transparent elections.
Also contesting the Kogi Central ticket are APC Diaspora Secretary and businessman, Momoh Obaro, and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke.
Meanwhile, Ododo participated in the primary at his Upogoro/Odenku Ward polling unit in Okene Local Government Area.
The exercise was conducted under tight security with a large turnout of party members.
Speaking with journalists after voting, Ododo described the process as “peaceful, transparent, and orderly,” noting that it reflected the democratic ideals being strengthened within the ruling party.
