Former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello has emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Kogi Central following a landslide victory in Monday’s exercise.
The direct primary election was conducted across the five local government areas that make up the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Announcing the results at the collation centre in Okene, the returning officer, Dr Sadiq Mohammed, described the exercise as peaceful, orderly and credible.
According to Mohammed, Bello polled 72,399 votes to defeat Ibrahim Adoke, who secured 319 votes, and Momoh Yusuf Obaro, who garnered 188 votes.
He said the former governor recorded commanding victories in all five local government areas of the district.
In Adavi Local Government Area, Bello secured 18,341 votes, while he polled 10,298 votes in Ajaokuta.
He also garnered 5,146 votes in Ogori/Magongo, further widening his lead in the contest.
Additional results showed that Bello scored 8,943 votes in Okehi and 29,621 votes in Okene, regarded as his political stronghold.
Mohammed said the total votes cast reflected a clear and overwhelming mandate for Bello across the senatorial district.
He added that the conduct of the primary demonstrated the APC’s commitment to internal democracy and a peaceful electoral process.
The victory positions Bello as the APC candidate for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
NAN
