Indications emerged Wednesday that the campaign organisation of the late Kogi State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abubakar Audu, is currently mounting pressure on the leadership of the party to replace the deceased with his son, Mohammed.
Audu passed away on Sunday, a few hours after the Independent National Electoral Commission declared the November 21 governorship poll in the state inconclusive.
Prior to his demise, Audu was leading his co-contender, Idris Wada with over 41,353.
An insider hinted Punch that the campaign organisation was of the opinion that Mohammed should join the race.
It was gathered that a few members of the group had also suggested that Audu’s running mate in last Saturday’s election, Mr. James Faleke, should contest the primary.
The report says members of the group, which are mostly chieftains of the APC, met on Tuesday night following the party’s declaration that another primary would be held to produce a replacement for the late governorship candidate.
The source said, “Abubakar Audu’s supporters, including his campaign structure, are rooting for either Audu’s son, Mohammed, or James Faleke for them not to lose out entirely. They are narrowing it to either Faleke or Mohammed because the APC machinery believes that the election has been won. But the party elders and leaders, who worked for him, will be more comfortable with Mohammed.”
However, spokesperson for the APC in Kogi State, Abdulmalik Suleiman while reacting, said “We are mourning. This is the time for sober reflection and we are praying for our late leader and icon. At the appropriate time, the public will know because APC has a way of solving its issues and problems.”
At the moment, there is suspense and anxiety in the state over who may emerge as Audu’s replacement.
Politicians such as Yahaya Bello, Jubrin Echocho, Salihu Atawodi and others have been listed as possible replacement.
