Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Ichala Wada has emerged as the People’s Democratic Party candidate edging out his main challenger, Alh. Isah Jibrin Echocho for the ticket.
Announcing the results, the returning officer, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State declared Wada the winner of the primaries. Wada scored 709 votes, Echocho recorded 139 votes while Mr Moses Amoto Banjo didn’t record a single vote. 10 invalid votes were also recorded.
Ugwuanyi said the primary was free, fair and credible, urging all the contestants to work together in the interest of the party.
Wada won in 20 out of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state, losing only in Yagba West. Yagba West is the Local Government of origin of Echocho’s agent and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sunday Karimi.
Midway into counting of the votes, jubilation erupted in the VIP stand, as Alh. Isah Jibrin Echocho congratulated Gov. Wada.
In his acceptance speech, Gov. Wada thanked the delegates for their firm belief in his transformation agenda, urging them to work even harder to ensure the party is victorious in the November 21 governorship election.
“Today’s victory is dedicated to all Kogi people who have been supporting our modest contribution to the development of the state. I congratulate my brothers who contested with me. Together, we shall give PPD a resounding victory on November 21″, he said.