Former governor of Kogi State, Prince Abubakar Audu, has breasted the tape ahead of 19 other aspirants to pick the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 governorship election in the north-central state. He garnered 1,109 votes out of the 3,044 cast during the party’s primary election concluded this afternoon in Lokoja, the state capital. Yahaya Bello a.k.a fair Plus came a distant second with 703 votes. Senator Nura Abatemi-Usman came third with 400 votes, followed by Dr. Shaibu Gamji with 309.

Others in the race included Barr. James Ocholi (SAN); Sen. Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane; Alh. Sani Shuaibu; Hon. Suleiman Baba Ali; Air Vice Atawodi; Hon. Muhammad Abdullahi; Haj. Hadiza Ibrahim; Mr. Yakubu Mohammed; Hon. Clarence Olafemi; Suleiman Abutu; Mr. Sunday Ejibo; Suleiman Ipinmisho; Dr. Tim Nda Diche; Dr. Habeeb Yakeen; Rotimi Obadofin; Hon. Babatunde Irukera (withdrew); Olusola Olumoranti; Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo; Pharm. Aliyu Zakari; Senator Alex Kadiri; Alhaji Abubakar Umar; Idris Kashim; and Alhaji Suaibu.

News Express reports that delegates from the 21 local government areas of the state took part in the exercise.

•Photo shows Kogi APC guber candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu.