Abubakar Audu wins Kogi APC primary

In what turned out to be a keenly contested governorship primary in Kogi APC, Prince Abubakar Audu has defeated other contestants . Declaring the results in the early hours of Sunday, the Chief Returning Officer for the primary, Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State announced that Prince Abubakar Audu polled the highest number of votes to defeat his closest rival, Alh. Yahaya Bello.

The Governor appealed to other contestants in the race to accept the result, saying the Electoral Panel did all within its powers to ensure a free and fair primary election.

“What we have seen here today is a reflection of the change we represent. We have ensured the conduct of a free and fair primary election which has reflected the true wishes of our party in the state. I urge you all to embrace the outcome and work for the success of our party in the next governorship election “, he said.

Also speaking after the primary election, one of the aspirants, Dr. Hameed Yaqeen hailed the process as free, fair and transparent.

Factors that shaped the primary
Prior to the primary election, many believe that the contest will be tight. But the stepping down of one of the frontrunners, Barr. Tunde Irukera changed the face of the contest.

It was said that an alliance was formed between the main forces in the election.

Sanusi Abubakar Gamji, billionaire businessman sprung to the front burners with the three Senators giving him an early nod.

However, the forces working for the emergence of Prince Audu changed the game with last minute, high wire horseradish.

Pundits told Vanguard that the early endorsement of Sanusi Abubakar was a divisive masterpiece to tilt the pendulum towards Audu who enjoyed high votes from Kogi East.

With the emergence of Audu, many party chieftains and members are apprehensive of the next move of those who lost out in the race.

It is believed that the next few weeks will determine the survival of the party towards the next election.
However, party leaders in Abuja are said to making moves to secure a cohesive front ahead of the November gubernatorial poll.