Off-cycle Election: Kogi State Government Appointees Aspire to Governorship 

Some Kogi state government appointees have expressed their interest in contesting the governorship seat in the state’s off-cycle gubernatorial election in November, 2023.

Amongst them are Abdulkareem Asuku, the Chief of Staff to the Governor of Kogi State and Ahmed Ododo, the Auditor General for Local Governments in Kogi state.

Asuku, who is aspiring to be the next governor of the state on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) says he is the perfect person to continue after Governor Yahaya Bello.

Mr. Asuku stated this when he picked up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the APC headquarters in Abuja.

Although he admitted to not being the “anointed” candidate of the governor, he however sought the blessing of his principal.

The 39-year old pharmacist turned politician said he would consolidate on the achievements of Governor Bello.

‘I have presented myself to the good people of Kogi state to serve them; to consolidate on the numerous achievements of Governor Yahaya Bello; to consolidate on the security achievement of His Excellency; to consolidate on the infrastructure development; to consolidate on the women and youth empowerment achievement,’ Asuku said.

Similarly, Ahmed Ododo, the Auditor General for Local Governments in Kogi state, has picked the APC’s Expression of Interest and Nomination form.

‘Governor Bello has also raised leaders and given most of them confidence to aspire for greater positions,’ he said.

Similarly, the Kogi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs Mr. Salami Deedat also purchased the APC Kogi governorship forms.

While explaining that he would continue with Governor Bello’s achievements, he however said that he was open to accepting anybody that Governor Bello picked as his successor.

‘Our primary aim is to ensure that our governor chooses his successor. Whoever emerges will work to sustain his legacies and add to them,’ Deedat said.