The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Assembly Screening Committee has cleared former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, and Kogi West senator, Sunday Karimi, for the party’s senatorial primaries scheduled for Monday.

The committee approved 17 aspirants across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts ahead of the APC primary elections.

Yahaya Bello Confirmed For Kogi Central Race

Yahaya Bello, whose eligibility had sparked political speculation in recent days, was officially cleared after his name appeared on the list of approved aspirants for the Kogi Central Senatorial District.

The former governor is expected to battle Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the APC ticket.

The development has already stirred reactions within political circles in the state.

Karimi Emerges Consensus Candidate

In Kogi West, Sunday Karimi reportedly emerged as the consensus candidate after a stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Usman Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja.

Although six other aspirants, including former senator Smart Adeyemi, were also cleared, observers believe the consensus arrangement may strengthen Karimi’s position ahead of the primary.

Karimi is currently serving as senator representing Kogi West.

Seven Cleared In Kogi East

For Kogi East Senatorial District, seven aspirants were cleared by the screening committee.

Those approved include incumbent senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka.

The APC primaries are expected to shape early political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.