Idowu Patrick
About 1.8 million registered voters are expected to decide the next governor of Kogi state during the November 11, 2023 election, according to the data released by the Independent National Electoral Commission. According to the Commission, the state has over two million registered voters, but only about 1.8M picked up their Permanent Voters Cards from the Commission. The election will be held in 3,508 polling units spread across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. The LGAs included Adavi, Ajaokuta, Ankpa, Bassa, Dekina, Ibaji, Idah, Igalamela/Odolu, Ijumu, Kabba-Bunu, Kogi, Lokoja, Mopamuro, Ofu, Ogori-Magongo, Okene, Okehi, Olamaboro, Omala, Yagba-East, and Yagba-West. According to the list published by INEC, a total of 18 candidates across various political parties will contest the November 11 election in the state…. But it’s generally believes that today poll will be decided by these five contenders based on the strength political party, structures, networks and financial muscles within the state
1 APC’s Usman Ododo
The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, who is popularly referred to as O.A.U by his team of supporters, happens to be the only candidate who emerged from the Kogi Central Senatorial district. He enjoys the support of the incumbent, Yahaya Bello, who also happens to be his kinsman.
2. PDP’s Dino Melaye
Popularly called SDM, Melaye, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, happens to be a former senator who hails from the Kogi West senatorial district, a district which is yet to produce a governor since the creation of the state.
3. SDP’s Muri Ajaka
Following his loss at the primaries conducted by his former party, the APC, Ajaka clinched the governorship ticket of the Social Democratic Party. He enjoys the support of his kinsmen, the Igalas, who are believed to be one of the largest ethnic groups in Kogi state
4. ADC’s Leke Abejide
Elder Abejide who is a serving lawmaker, is the candidate for the Africa Democratic Congress. He hails from the same senatorial district as the candidate of the PDP, Melaiye. Experts believe that his candidacy may affect Melaiye’s performance at the polls on Saturday.
5. LP’s Adejo Okeme
He is the candidate of the Labour Party in the state. Though his party, the LP had what experts described as a great outing during the February 2023 presidential polls, he is believed to be a lightweight in the state.
