Controversy and protests marred the All Progressives Congress senatorial primaries held on Monday in Kogi State, despite victories recorded by former governor Yahaya Bello and other aspirants in their respective districts.

Tension was highest in Kogi East Senatorial District, where incumbent Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, rejected the conduct of the primary election.

In a viral video, the senator alleged that election officials and materials were absent in several wards, including his own, insisting that no valid election took place.

Echocho accused party officials of manipulating the process, claiming that results had already been prepared before voting commenced.

“That result is a nullity and cannot even be announced,” he said.

The senator also threatened to challenge Governor Ahmed Ododo in the 2027 governorship election if the outcome of the senatorial primary was not reversed.

“I am going to contest against you. I have the right. The battle line has been drawn,” Echocho declared.

He said his constituency projects and empowerment programmes were aimed at strengthening the APC ahead of future elections for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ododo.

Echocho, however, accused the governor of turning against him despite his loyalty to both Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello.

In Kogi West Senatorial District, another aspirant, Ustaz Abubakar Ola, also raised concerns over the conduct of the exercise.

He alleged that there were plans to intimidate his supporters and claimed that thugs disrupted voting in areas where he enjoyed strong support.

Despite the protests, turnout was reported to be high across the three senatorial districts in the state.

In Agassa, hometown of former governor Yahaya Bello, supporters reportedly turned out in large numbers for the Kogi Central primary election.

Bello commended delegates for what he described as a peaceful process and praised party officials for adhering to electoral guidelines.

He said the exercise demonstrated the APC’s ability to conduct transparent elections.

Other aspirants contesting the Kogi Central senatorial ticket include APC Diaspora Secretary and businessman, Momoh Obaro, and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke.

Governor Ododo also participated in the primary election at his Upogoro/Odenku Ward polling unit in Okene Local Government Area.

Speaking with journalists after voting, the governor described the exercise as peaceful, transparent and orderly, saying it reflected the democratic ideals of the ruling party.