Dare Babalola
Political consultations ahead of the Kogi East senatorial contest intensified on Wednesday following a statement by an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, Yakubu Murtala Ajaka, who announced his withdrawal from the race and his decision to support the incumbent senator, Jibrin Isah Echocho.
The development comes as Dr. Chief Joseph Ameh Erico emerged winner of the just-concluded APC Kogi East senatorial primary election.
The official announcement was made at the Steve Emakoji Achema Handball Stadium, Idah, amid massive jubilation and celebration by party faithful, supporters, and political stakeholders from across Kogi East Senatorial District.
Erico secured 73,317 votes in the primary election conducted across the district, defeating six other aspirants cleared by the party before the exercise.
The returning officer, Thomas Offors, announced the result on Monday.
Offors said Erico polled 73,317 votes, while Tim Nda-Diche from Bassa LGA finished second with 3,238 votes.
He added that other aspirants recorded lower figures during the exercise conducted across the nine local government areas in Kogi East.
According to him, Okutepa Dalandi secured 85 votes, Jibrin Echocho scored 51 votes, while Akor Kashim received 43 votes.
Ajaka polled three votes, while Muhammed Bala Alfa recorded two votes in the keenly contested primary election.
In the Wednesday statement, Ajaka said his initial interest in the senatorial race was driven by what he described as a desire for “effective and people-oriented representation” and broader development for Kogi East.
He noted that he was encouraged by widespread support from stakeholders, party members, youths, women, and constituents across the district.
However, after consultations with stakeholders, Ajaka said he had decided to throw his weight behind Senator Echocho, describing him as “the better alternative at this critical moment” based on his experience, political reach, and capacity to attract development to the district.
“I hereby urge my supporters and the good people of our district to extend to him the same support and cooperation they have always shown me for the peace, unity, and continued progress of Kogi East,” he said.
Ajaka also appealed to the national leadership of the All Progressives Congress to pay closer attention to developments in Kogi State in the interest of party unity and stability.
