Kogi poll: APC adopts Bello, as Faleke picks Audu’s son as running mate

Biodun Abimbola

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has finally adopted Mr. Yahaya Bello, as its candidate in the December 5 supplementary election in Kogi State, replacing late Prince Abubakar Audu.

Bello who was the first runner up in the primary election was preferred by the party over the running mate of late Audu who died before the governorship election in Kogi State was concluded on November 21.

James Faleke, the running mate to the late Audu, however vowed to reclaim the mandate of the people of the state given freely to the APC during the election and threatened court action against the party’s choice of Bello as the governorship candidate in the December 5 supplementary election.

Mr. Falake had earlier on Monday chosen the son of late Audu, Mohammed Audu as his running mate, before the APC chose Mr Bello.

Addressing hundreds of APC supporters in Lokoja on Monday, Faleke, pointed out that attempts to snatch power from the reins of the APC in Kogi State were fruitless as the party is poised to chart a new course for the state.

He explained that there is no contention between him and the immediate political family of late Abubakar Audu and described the task ahead as a moral burden on him to fight on, till the victory of APC is accomplished.

Going back to the primary election conducted on August 28, 2015, he noted that he remained the only person holding on to the votes cast for the APC.

Some APC leaders from the three senatorial districts of the state were present as Mr Faleke made his decision known to his supporters.

Meanwhile, supporters of James Faleke and Yahaya Bello clashed in Abuja, at the party’s secretariat hours after Mr Faleke chose Audu’s son as his running mate.

The party’s National Working Committee members, reporters and visitors at the secretariat were held hostage by feuding youths.