The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi has finally screened Murtala Yakubu-Ajaka, a frontline governorship aspirant in the state, after his purported suspension by the party on Thursday.

Also screened by the party were the State Deputy Governor, Edward Onoja and Senator Smart Adeyemi, all aspiring to lead Kogi State come January 27, 2024.

Recall that Mr Yakubu-Ajaka’s screening was made possible after Governor Yahaya Bello waded into the crisis, following his suspension for alleged anti-party activities.

Mr Bello warned against bickerings that could undermine the unity of APC in the state, and directed the aspirants to focus on selling their candidacy to party members.

Mr Yakubu-Ajaka from Kogi East is also the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC.

Shortly after his screening, Mr Yakubu-Ajaka described his purported suspension as an “avoidable distraction” and thanked the governor for his fatherly role at solving the matter.

“I will rather remain focused so as to emerge victorious in the forthcoming APC primary election scheduled for April 10.

“All I want is for all members of the party, especially my supporters across the state to remain calm, because in a political contest of this nature, there is room for clash of interests.

“By the grace of God, everything legitimate will be done to ensure a well deserving victory for me at the forthcoming primary election,” he assured.

Over 20 people from different political parties are jostling for the number one seat in Kogi after Mr Bello’s exit on January 27, 2024.

(NAN)