Audu’s Replacement: We Are Still Consulting, Says APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) yesterday, declared that contrary to notions held in certain quarters, it has not settled for anybody as replacement for its deceased candidate in the Kogi governorship poll, Prince Abubakar Audu.

Acting national publicity secretary of the party, Mr. Timi Frank, who disclosed this to The Guardian said the party would take a final position on Audu’s replacement tomorrow, adding that the party was still consulting on the matter.

“We are still consulting on the issue; we would take a final stand on the issue of Audu’s replacement on Monday and we are definitely going to issue a statement on the issue,” he stated.

Frank spoke against the backdrop of speculations making the rounds that the APC had settled for Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Prince Audu ‘s replacement.

Bello, Ibira, from the Kogi central senatorial district, popularly referred to as “fairplus” by his supporters had emerged runner-up to Prince Audu during the Kogi governorship primary.

However, there is division amongst stakeholders of the Kogi chapter of APC as those mainly from the more populous Kogi East axis are rooting for Mohammed, the eldest son of Prince Audu, while their counterpart from Kogi West or Okun axis express preference for Mr. James Abiodun Faleke.

Faleke, who presently represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives was Prince Audu’s running mate in the inconclusive governorship poll.

Meantime, the Head of media, Prince Abubakar Audu/Faleke campaign organization, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has warned the national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun, to avoid any act capable of setting the state on fire.

In a press statement yesterday in Lokoja, Ohikere accused the presidency of injecting a northern agenda that says all governors in the 19 states must be Muslims.