Abdulkareem Asuku, Chief of Staff to Kogi governor, says he’s contesting to govern the state so as to continue the achievements of his principal, Yahaya Bello. 

Mr Asuku, 39, said this at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat, Abuja, shortly after obtaining the N50 million nomination form of the party on Friday.

“I present myself to serve and consolidate the numerous achievements of His Excellency, Yahaya Bello. Youths are today in charge in Nigeria and that is why someone like me can come and pick a form to contest for governorship at the age of 39,” Mr Asuku said.

Speaking further, Mr Asuku said he is running “to consolidate the security, infrastructural development, women inclusiveness, and all-inclusiveness of the new direction of administration. His (Bello’s) administration has achieved more than forty per cent of women’s inclusion and this requires consolidation.

“Today, we are not talking about politics of ethnicity and religious affiliation, we are looking for who can bring development. I served as the Chief of Staff of this administration and many have referred to it as the engine room of the administration.” 

Mr Bello assumed office over seven years ago. His administration has been berated for the non-payment of civil servants salaries. 

Under Mr Bello’s administration, a director of the Kogi State Civil Service, Edward Soje, owed 11 months salary, committed suicide sometime in 2017, days after his wife gave birth to triplets. 

Mr Bello’s reelection in 2020 was marred by violence.