The All Progressives Congress of Nigeria appears set to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory in the Kogi State governorship contest. On Monday, it forwarded the name of Yahaya Bello to INEC as its candidate in the supplementary poll slated for December 5.
Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, running mate to the deceased Abubakar Audu, does not agree. He has told the party he is the governor-elect. APC has already won the election, as fewer than 20, 000 votes are expected from the 91 polling units where election will take place on Saturday. APC leads the PDP with over 41, 000 votes.
The PDP claims its candidate Governor Idris Wada should be declared winner because, it says, Audu died with his votes. INEC asked APC to forward another candidate’s name.
Falake has announced Audu’s first son Muhammed as his running mate. APC named Faleke as Bello’s running mate.
The matter is likely to end at the Supreme Court. Likely, Bello’s victory will be upturned if he claims Audu’s votes. The court may ask the state attorney-general to swear in Faleke.
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