… Ex. Gov. Loses Polling Unit, LG to APC
History was today made as Hon. Umar Yahaya, the All Progressives Congress Flagbearer For Omala State Constituency beat Former Governor Ibrahim Idris to win the Assembly Election.
The defeat of Ex. Gov. Idris is the first since the return to democratic rule in 1999, as the former Governor not only lost his polling units, for the first time the PDP lost in Omala LG.
The defeat described as a political upset, by political analyst has left many shock especially given Idris’ long-standing reputation as a political heavyweight in Kogi politics.
Idris, who is a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is widely regarded as the father of the PDP in Kogi State.
He however lost his polling unit at Open Space along Anyingba Road, under Mango Tree by Mechanic Shade, with many saying it signals a significant shift in political power within the state.
With the defeat of Alh. Idris the APC appears to have gained ground in Omala several years after, with the election of Hon. Umar serving as a milestone.
The PDP had a total of 36 votes, while the APC secured a resounding victory with 88 votes at the polling unit, with coalition ongoing in the remaining Wards of the Local clearly indicate that the margin of lead was Overwhelming.
This defeat at Idris’ polling unit is a significant setback for the PDP and could have far-reaching implications for the party in the state, with many concluding that he may have been retired by Hon Umar of the APC from active politics.
The former Governor had previously expressed confidence in the PDP’s chances of winning the election. The results from his polling unit in the Assembly Election have however put a dent in the party’s aspirations, as the PDP may now have to work harder to remain as opposition in the State.