Kogi State Governor, Capt Idris Ichala Wada has trounced his main challenger in the PDP governorship primaries, Alh. Isah Jibrin Echocho.
Contrary to earlier expectations, Echocho failed to live up to his billings as the governor won in a landslide.
Announcing the results, the returning officer, Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State declared Wada the winner of the primaries. Wada scored 709 votes, Echocho recorded 139 votes while Mr Moses Amoto Banjo didn’t record a single vote. 10 invalid votes were also recorded.
Ugwuanyi said the primary was free, fair and credible, urging all the contestants to work together in the interest of the party.
Wada won in 20 out of the 21 Local Government Areas in the state, losing only in Yagba West. Yagba West is the Local Government of origin of Echocho’s agent and member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Sunday Karimi.
Midway into counting of the votes, jubilation erupted in the VIP stand, as Alh. Isah Jibrin Echocho congratulated Gov. Wada.
In his acceptance speech, Gov. Wada thanked the delegates for their firm belief in his transformation agenda, urging them to work even harder to ensure the party is victorious in the November 21 governorship election.
“Today’s victory is dedicated to all Kogi people who have been supporting our modest contribution to the development of the state. I congratulate my brothers who contested with me. Together, we shall give PPD a resounding victory on November 21?, he said.
Speaking exclusively to Vanguard , Kogi State Deputy Governor, Arc Abayomi Awoniyi thanked the delegates for speaking with one voice. He congratulated Alh. Jibrin Echocho for his magnanimity.
“While the delegates have given victory to all PDP members, our brother, Alh. Isah Jibrin Echocho has shown that he loves this great party. I want to assure all that we will work together as one”, he said.
Also speaking with Vanguard , Alh. Yahaya Karaku said Echocho is a hero and will work with the party.
Final results
Adavi
Wada 31 – 5 Echocho
Ajaokuta
Wada 33-5 Echocho
Ankpa
Wada 39-0 Echocho
Bassa
Wada 19-5 Echocho
Dekina
Wada 33-3 Echocho
Ibaji
Wada 16-3 Echocho
Idah
Wada 27-1 Echocho
Igalamela/Odolu
Wada 29-0 Echocho
Ijumu
Wada 27-17 Echocho
Kabba/Bunu
Wada 25-13 Echocho
Kogi
Wada 33-0 Echocho
Lokoja
Wada 24-1 Echocho
Mopamuro
Wada 28-0 Echocho
Ofu
Wada 26-3 Echocho
Ogori Magongo
Wada 27-1 Echocho
Okehi
Wada 32-1 Echocho
Okene
Wada 27-0 Echocho
Olamaboro
Wada 24-0 Echocho
Omala
Wada 23-8 Echocho
Yagba East
Wada 16-14 Echocho
Yagba West
Wada 15-23 Echocho
Total number of invalid votes is 10.
