Massive Turnout Marks Kogi APC Senatorial Primaries Amid Protests in Kogi East

There was a massive turnout across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State on Monday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) conducted its senatorial primary elections ahead of the 2027 general elections, despite complaints and protests from some aspirants.

In Agassa, the hometown of former Kogi State Governor and Kogi Central senatorial aspirant, Yahaya Bello, supporters trooped out in large numbers to participate in the exercise.

Speaking shortly after casting his vote, Bello commended delegates for their peaceful conduct and described the exercise as a reflection of the APC’s ability to organise a transparent and orderly election.

He also praised party officials for ensuring strict adherence to the rules guiding the primary.

Other aspirants contesting for the APC ticket in Kogi Central include the APC Diaspora Secretary and businessman, Chief Momoh Obaro, as well as Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke.

However, the exercise was marred by controversy in Kogi East, where the incumbent senator representing the district, Jibrin Isah Echocho, alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency in the conduct of the primary election.

In a viral video circulating online, Echocho accused party officials of failing to provide election materials and officials in parts of Kogi East, claiming that no proper election was conducted in his ward.

The senator also threatened to contest the Kogi governorship election in 2027 against the incumbent governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, if the outcome of the senatorial primary did not favour him.

Echocho, visibly emotional in the video, accused the governor of turning against him despite what he described as his loyalty and support for both Governor Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello.

“I am going to contest against you. I have the right,” the senator declared, insisting that the “battle line has been drawn.”

He maintained that his political structures, empowerment programmes, and constituency projects across Kogi East were designed to strengthen the APC and ensure electoral victories for Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ododo in future elections.

Echocho further alleged that results for the primary election were prepared at the Government House before the commencement of the exercise.

“That result is a nullity, and that result cannot even be announced,” he said.

Political observers believe the senator’s outburst could further heighten tensions within the APC in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 political contests.

The election in Kogi West, however, is a straight contest between the incumbent senator, Sunday Steve Karimi, and Ustaz Zakari Ola, as stakeholders said other aspirants, including Senator Smart Adeyemi, had already stepped down for the incumbent senator.

The election was still underway at the time of filing this report.