Off-cycle Election: Kogi State Government Appointees Aspire to Governorship
Aanya Igomu, Abuja.
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 united Kogi state and developed the infrastructure.
‘I intend to continue on such achievements.
‘I’m going to consolidate the infrastructural development to ensure that I improve what he has put on the ground.
‘On the issue of the blueprint, Governor Yahaya Bello has put in place a 32-year development plan that I am fully a part of; I will continue it and, if I have any new ideas, I will add them to make sure we deliver development to the people of Kogi state.
‘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.
‘I’m a practical politician who believes in the will of God.
‘Whoever emerges whether by election or the decision of our leader will be acceptable. And we will work gladly, actively and assiduously with him to win.
‘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.
Edited by Amaka E. Nliam
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