NNPP screens six aspirants for Kogi gov election

The New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) screened six aspirants on Saturday ahead of the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State. The candidates—Ukele Ali, Musa Mubarak, Abdulrahman Abubakar, Oni Sunday, Isah Yakubu, and Sunday Momoh—were evaluated by a committee chaired by Ajuji Ahmad, with members Shehu Adamu (secretary), Maryam Yasin, Ladipo Johnson, and Muhammed Auwal.

During the exercise, Ahmad emphasized that the screening would be transparent and free from manipulation, reflecting the party’s commitment to justice and fairness. “The NNPP is an open, fair‑minded party,” he said. “We assure each of you that the process will be transparent, open, and objective. The final decision will not rest with us alone but with the National Working Committee, and fairness will guide that decision.”

One aspirant, Abdulrahman Abubakar, told reporters that Kogi residents would benefit from improved service delivery if given the chance to govern. He noted that the state’s development does not correspond to its resource endowment and pledged to change that narrative. “The screening went well. I have contested elections before and won. By the grace of God, what has brought me into this contest is the pitiable situation of Kogi State,” he explained. “With its natural endowment, Kogi should be among the top states in infrastructure development. Yet people are crying; workers and pensioners have not been paid. My experience—from managerial roles to Managing Director and CEO of the Nigerian Railway Corporation—will be applied to return Kogi to its rightful glory. The resources, though not abundant, are sufficient if properly harnessed.”

Addressing the zoning formula, Abubakar said, “Politics is a game of numbers. In Benue State, the Tiv have produced governors, while the Idoma have produced deputy governors. We will not run a government that favors one area over another; any preference will be based solely on population considerations.”

Another aspirant, Ukele Ali, pledged to alleviate poverty through agricultural transformation and technology deployment. “If elected, I will create prosperity for all through agriculture, ICT, and the establishment of cottage industries,” he declared. “We will also explore solid minerals and, of course, security, because without security, prosperity cannot be achieved.”