Just in: Kogi State APGA Guber Candidate, Idoko Ilona emerge Consensus candidate

Kogi East Emerging Leaders Forum (KEELF) has declared Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) as the consensus candidate for the upcoming November 11, 2023 Governorship Election of Kogi State.

The announcement comes after a rigorous selection process conducted by a committee comprising 21 members representing various local government areas of Kogi State.

The committee, chaired by Apostle Idakwoji Joshua from Dekina Local Government Area (LGA), and Hon. Emmanuel Abafi from Bassa Local Government Area, was tasked with identifying a consensus candidate from the ten political parties’ candidates of Igala and Bassa extractions.

The committee held five meetings, both virtually and physically in Lokoja, the state capital, to deliberate on the matter.

Out of the ten candidates under consideration, six expressed their interest in appearing before the committee. However, it was ultimately decided that the committee would proceed with its assignments regardless. The committee made the decision to open the voting process to all members of the Igala/Bassa One Voice and its affiliates, which included approximately eighty other organizations.

The voting process took place from May 24, 2023, at 10:00 AM and concluded on May 26, 2023, at 6:00 PM. The results of the voting revealed Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona of APGA as the leading candidate, securing 205 votes. Other candidates received varying numbers of votes, with Admiral Jibrin Usman of the Accord Party securing 30 votes, Barr. Okeme Adejoh of the Labour Party receiving 105 votes, and Murtala Yakubu Ajaka of the Social Democratic Party securing 100 votes, among others.

Following the announcement of the results, Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona emerged as the consensus candidate of the Igala/Bassa One Voice for the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election of Kogi State. The selection process involved the opinions of over 4,000 members of the Igala/Bassa One Voice worldwide.

Various organizations and groups, including Ukomu Igala Stakeholders, Kogi East Leadership & Vision, Igala Youth Leaders Assembly, and National Solidarity Movement, have endorsed and signed the declaration supporting Mr. Ilona’s candidacy. The consensus reached by these organizations emphasizes the need for unity and respect for the voice of the people in the election.

As the consensus candidate, Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona now faces the task of campaigning and rallying support from the Igala and Bassa communities, as well as other regions and senatorial districts of Kogi State, to compete against candidates from different backgrounds in the governorship race.

The declaration by KEELF sets the stage for a competitive election in Kogi State, with Mr. Kingsley Idoko Ilona aiming to secure the support of the electorate and emerge victorious in the November 11, 2023 Governorship Election.