Kogi East Critical Stakeholders Forum has adopted candidate of Accord Party, Vice Admiral Jibrin Usman (rtd) as consensus candidate from the zone for November 11 governorship election.
The forum said it took the decision because of Usman’s experience and capacity to be governor.
Chairman, Simon Achuba, told reporters after a meeting of Kogi East stakeholders.
The forum is made up of former deputy governors, senators, Representatives, principal officers of State Assembly, ministers, ambassadors.
Achuba said: “Kogi East Critical Stakeholders, after assessment of candidates from Kogi East, has endorsed Vice Admiral Usman (rtd) of Accord Party as consensus candidate from Kogi East to contest November 11 governorship election.
“This decision was taken bearing in mind his experience and capacity to occupy the office of governor.
“The forum appeals to other contestants from Kogi East to join hands with Usman to ensure he wins the election to take the state to enviable heights …”
Achuba said the Forum would make a public presentation of Usman to the people of Kogi State.
“The Forum shall set up a high powered Committee to put together a formidable structure to carry out the campaign for the general election in accordance with the enabling laws when campaign kicks off officially,” Achuba added.
The Accord Party candidate assured the Forum of victory in the November 11, 2023 election.
He said he would continue to solicit the support of Kogi East critical stakeholders ahead of the election.
He promised to work together with the people to deliver the dividends of democracy.
Usman said: “A lot of things will change under my government. Our people have suffered enough. We will not allow the present governor to achieve a third term through Ododo.
He urged the people to vote for him in order to bring development to the state.
“Once we kick-start the campaign the difference will be clear. I enjoy huge support in the state. Kogi has not enjoyed the dividends of democracy.
“Civil servants have gone through hell. My state is not paying minimum wage. We must change this.
“I will restructure the civil service by calling those that were unjustly disengaged from their place of work,” the Accord Party candidate added.
