The All Progressives Congress (APC) has commenced the upload of its Senate and House of Representatives candidates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) nomination portal, marking another significant milestone in preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The development follows the conclusion of the party’s internal nomination process and the approval of the final list of candidates by the APC National Working Committee (NWC), which has the constitutional responsibility of ratifying candidates before their submission to INEC.
Several APC candidates from Kogi State confirmed on Monday that they had received Form EC9, one of the mandatory nomination documents required by INEC for candidates seeking elective offices.
The forms are being completed and processed for electronic submission through the commission’s nomination portal in line with the electoral timetable.
Among those confirmed as the party’s senatorial candidates are Senator Sunday Steve Karimi for Kogi West Senatorial District, Ameh Joseph Erico for Kogi East Senatorial District, and former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Similarly, the party’s House of Representatives candidates were also confirmed after they were seen in a group photograph with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo shortly after receiving and completing their nomination forms.
Sources familiar with the exercise disclosed that the candidates proceeded to Governor Ododo’s residence following the completion of the documentation, where they met with the governor and other party leaders.
The meeting was said to have focused on party unity, campaign coordination and strategies for securing victory in the forthcoming general elections.
The APC House of Representatives candidates from Kogi State include Hon. Abdullah Ibrahim Ali (Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro), Hon. Leke Abejide (Yagba Federal Constituency), Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem (Ajaokuta), Hon. Danladi Suleiman Aguye (Lokoja/Kogi-Koton Karfe), Hon. Paul Gowon Haruna (Dekina/Bassa), Hon. Arc. Salman Idris (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu), Engr. Mohammed Ahovi Yusuf (Adavi/Okehi), Hon. Ojogbane Omale Uchola (Idah Federal Constituency), and Hon. Sanni Salau Ogembe (Okene/Ogori-Magongo).
Party stakeholders described the commencement of the INEC upload process as a clear indication that the APC is consolidating its preparations ahead of the 2027 polls, expressing confidence that the party will remain competitive across the state.
Recalled that Senator Sunday Karimi has reaffirmed his commitment to the unity of the APC following the confirmation of his candidacy. In a statement, the Kogi West lawmaker called on party members to put the primary election behind them and work together for the collective success of the party.
Karimi expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Working Committee, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, party leaders and delegates for their confidence in his leadership.
He stressed that political contests are temporary and urged members to embrace reconciliation and forgiveness.
According to him, the APC’s strength lies in its unity, adding that all members must close ranks and mobilise support across the seven local government areas of Kogi West and the entire state to ensure a resounding victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.
