The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, has declaration Jubrin Isah Echocho as its governorship candidate for next year’s gubernatorial election.
Echocho, popularly called Ododo is the Chief of Staff to the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello.
The announcement has caused quite a stir in the political landscape of the state.
Kogi State is a politically charged state with a history of high-profile political drama, and the forthcoming gubernatorial election promises to be no different. The APC’s choice of Ododo as its candidate has drawn mixed reactions from various quarters.
However, some political analysts have expressed optimism that Ododo’s candidacy could bring about positive change in the state. They cite his youthfulness and his experience working closely with the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello, as reasons why he could be the right candidate to lead Kogi State.
The APC has a formidable reputation in Kogi State, having won the previous two gubernatorial elections in the state. However, the party will have to work hard to retain its hold on the state as the opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is also gearing up for a fierce battle.
More so as Bello’s deputy, Edward Onoja, and a former Chief of Staff, Mohammed Abdulkareem Asuku, were said to have been arm twisted by their principal to withdraw from the race in order pave way for the governor’s choice of successor.
The duo and other who were forced to abandoned their ambition, are said to be working with the opposition to thwart Bello’s plan of foisting Ododo on them even when he comes from the same senatorial district with the outgoing governor.
It remains to be seen how events will unfold, and whether the APC can retain its hold on the state or if the PDP can make significant inroads.