TheCable

James Ocholi, minister of state for labour and employment, is seeking to represent APC in the December 5 governorship supplementary election in Kogi state, according to The Nation.

Also in the race are Yahaya Bello (Fair Plus), who came second to Abubakar Audu in the primary, and Adinoyi Ojo Onukaba, former MD of Daily Times.

The newspaper said about 27 aspirants are seeking to replace Audu, who died shortly after Saturday’s poll was declared inconclusive.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had asked APC to “fill Audu’s vacuum”, making the party to decide conducting fresh primary to chose its candidate for the forthcoming election.

The newspaper also listed Abatemi Usman, a former senator, Sadiq Adaba, Suleiman Baba Ali, Suleiman Lanre, Yakeen Abdullahi, Rotimi Obadofin, Olusola Olumoroti and Clarence Obafemi.

Others are Sani Shu’aibu, a retired military officer, Atawodi Saliu, Hadiza Ibrahim, Abdullahi Suleiman, Yakubu Mohammed, Yahaya Ugbane, Abutu Ejeh, Hussain Idris and Sunday Edibo.

Tim Nda Diche, Aliyu Jiya, Alex Kadiri and Usman Mainyanga, were also listed.

The paper quoted Abtaemi as saying: “I am just hearing the pronouncement. We just did a quick evaluation of where we are and we have resolved that we will proceed to the field. I am contesting for the governorship ticket.”

The Nation also said Onukaba confirmed his interest to one of its correspondents.