The former local government Auditor General, Alhaji. Ahmed Usman Ododo has been picked as the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the November election.

It was reliably gathered that the governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello endorsed him on Thursday after the party stakeholders.

Those who step down are the deputy governor, Edward Onoja, the Chief of Staff to Governor Yahaya Bello, Pharm. Abdulkareem Asuku, the state accountant general Jibrin Momoh, and Asiru Idris former Commissioner For Finance Budget and Economic Planning also withdrawn from the race.

Similarly, Banji Jimoh, Muhammad Jamiu Asuku, Friday Idachaba and Hajia Halima Alfa, and the state auditor general Okala Yakubu, have also withdrawn.

Their withdrawal was announced by the Chief Returning Officer for the APC Governorship Primary.

The party had fixed its governorship primary election for Friday, April 14, 2023.

The decision of the duo is coming after a critical stakeholders meeting hosted by the state governor, Yahaya Bello, at the State headquarters of the APC in Lokoja, the State capital on Thursday, where the Governor unveiled his preferred candidate.

It was reliably gathered that Governor Bello picked a former Auditor-general of the State, Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo is his preferred successor.

Meanwhile, Onoja and Asuku announced their withdrawal from the governorship race via their respective verified Facebook pages shortly after the meeting in Lokoja.

The deputy governor, Onoja, whom many had thought will naturally succeed Governor Bello before now, posted a cryptic message on Facebook, which reads: “To God be the glory for life and divine health. My appreciation to my leader, Governor Yahaya Bello, and all my supporters for your love and prayers. Let love, patience, and perseverance lead. I am forever grateful