APC Special Congress Ratifies Candidature of Usman Ahmed Ododo as Party Flagbearer 

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja


Following the declaration of the winner by the Committee, Kogi APC governorship primary election, the special delegates of the All Progressive Congress (APC), across the 239 in the 21 local government areas of Kogi state, yesterday, approved Usman Ahmed Ododo as the flagbearer of party in the November Governorship election.

The Governor Bello Matawale Committee had earlier yesterday declared Usman Ahmed Ododo as the winner of the Kogi APC Governorship primary election  that was on Friday in Lokoja, but  was subject to ratification by the special five delegates from the 239 wards in line section 84 of the Electoral Act as amended.

The Chairman of Committee Kogi State All Progressive Congress APC  Primary Election and Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle, who declared the results, said the election was conducted in a peaceful atmosphere on Friday across over 239 wards.

Usman Ododo polled at total of 78,704 votes to beat other contestants.

While declaring the result at about 2.00 am, Governor Matawalle, who was represented by the Secretary of Committee, Kogi APC governorship primary election, Patrick Obahiagbon, stated that Usman  Ododo scored 78,704 votes .

While his close rival polled at total of 703 votes, Sanusi Ohiare, 424 and Senator Smart Adeyemi scored 311 votes.

He stated that having satisfied the requirements of  the law and scored the highest votes, Usman Ahmed  Ododo was declared the winner and returned elected as the APC flagbearer in the November 2023 governorship election.



The State Chairman of APC, Abdullahi Bello, has lauded the National Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for allowing a level-playing ground for all aspirants to participate in the primary election yesterday.

Bello also thanked the state governor for ensuring a rancour-free Governorship primary election, stating that the election was free and fair.

The State Chairman also expressed gratitude to the all loyal members of APC in Kogi State for the unalloyed support at the time.

In his acceptance speech, the elected Party Candidate, Usman Ahmed Ododo, pledged not to disappoint the party and the people of the state.

Ododo told the  large crowd that he would consolidate the achievement of Governor Yahaya Bello in all ramifications for continued development of Kogi State.

The APC governorship candidate stated there were many out there that more qualified than him, noting that out of 17 aspirants,  one is destined to win, calling on other aspirants that contested together to join hand and defend the 2023 Governorship ticket until the party retain the seat of power, come  November 2023.

He noted that Governor Yahaya Bello had laid a solid foundation for the state in every sector of the economy for development, stressing that the incoming administration would not deviate from the action plan.

“I accepted to take up the challenge of the leadership bestow on me to the flag of our great party APC. I say I will not disappoint you,” Ododo stressed.