As the people of Kogi state prepare for the state’s gubernatorial supplementary election today, November 5, posters and billboards of the All Progressives Congress (APC) new candidate, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has surfaced in most parts of the state.
Bello’s campaign billboard in the Felele area of Lokoja
Bello’s posters at Okene town
Bello, 40, was drafted into the race by the APC national leadership after the party’s candidate in the election, Prince Abubakar Audu, passed away hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the election inconclusive.
It will be recalled that Bello’s nomination had polarised the Kogi state chapter of the APC, as the deputy governorship candidate in the election, James Faleke had insisted that he ought to replace the late Audu.
SIDE BY SIDE: Old campaign posters of Governor Idri Wada give way for Bello’s new posters
Associates of the late Audu has also distanced themselves from the nomination of Bello, who is popularly called ‘Fair Plus’ by his admirers in the state. But it seems the Ebira-born politician has moved on with his campaign and be will hoping to win the electoral contest today.
A major round-about in Lokoja ‘redecorated’ with Bello’s new posters
When Naij.com correspondent spoke to some residents in the state about Bello’s posters, they expressed differing opinions on the issue.
Valentine Adah, a motorcyclist, said he was still upset about the passing away of the late Audu adding that, ”he was the only one that had the interest of Kogi state at heart”.
On his part, Uchehi Odinaka, a pharmacist, said he was excited about the fact the a young man had the chance to run the affairs of the state.
He said: ”We have too many old people vying for office in this state, so it is a breath of fresh air to have a young man like Yahaya Bello rule us. I believe he will understand the challenges that most young people face and hopefully, he will address them in due time.”
A female student at the Kogi state university, Anyigba, Fumilayo Adeyemi, however faulted the APC for giving Bello the ticket.
According to her, the party should have given the ticket to Faleke. She said:”Morally, it is wrong, because Faleke stood by the late Prince Audu during the campaign period and he should be the one to have gotten the ticket.”
Meanwhile, the INEC office in Dekina, Dekina local government area of Kogi state has been partially destroyed by fire. Eyewitnesses claimed that some thugs invaded the office at about 5am and set it on fire yesterday, December 5.
It will be recalled that a group of lawyers had advised the INEC not to go ahead with the supplementary election. According to them, the APC could not present a candidate to replace its deceased governorship candidate, Prince Audu.
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