The battle for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Kogi November governorship election took a dramatic turn on Thursday with the open endorsement of a dark horse, Ahmed Usman-Ododo by Governor Yahaya Bello about 24 hours to the primary of the party.
The endorsement of Usman-Ododo who is the Auditor General of the state by Governor Bello governor was reportedly announced at a meeting with the aspirants he presided over at the APC Secretariat in Lokoja on Thursday.
The meeting was also attended by Governor Mohammed Bello-Matawale of Zamfara State, the Chairman of the primary election committee.
Bello-Matawale of Zamfara confirmed the development after Thursday’s meeting.
He confirmed that Bello, who hosted the meeting, unveiled his anointed candidate in the person of Usman-Ododo.
“All other aspirants who have not withdrawn from the race are free to participate in Friday’s direct primary election to be held across the state.
“The gentlemanly agreement was reached and announced at a stakeholders meeting of the party held on Thursday in Lokoja,’’ the Zamfara State Governor said while confirming the meeting.
However, the revelation led to withdrawal of eight aspirants from the race for the APC governorship ticket, including deputy governor, Mr Edward Onoja.
Seven other aspirants, including a former Commissioner for Finance, Mr David Adebanji-Jimoh, Asiwaju Ashiru Idris and Mr Okala Yakubu, also stepped down following Usman-Ododo’s endorsement by Gov. Yahaya Bello.
Others still are Mr Abdulkareem Asuku, Chief of Staff to Gov. Bello and the state’s Accountant-General, Mr Momoh Jibrin.
While announcing his withdrawal from the race, Onoja thanked his leader, Gov Bello and all his supporters for their love and prayers.
Onoja enjoined his supporters to allow love, patience and perseverance to lead at Friday’s primary election and at the Nov. 11 governorship election in the state.
