The Kogi East political atmosphere witnessed a dramatic shake-up on Sunday as Joseph Ameh Erico stormed to a resounding victory in the All Progressives Congress senatorial primary, crushing established political heavyweights in a contest many party faithful described as a political earthquake.
Erico, who emerged as the party’s flag bearer for the 2027 National Assembly election, reportedly garnered over 70,000 votes to seal an emphatic mandate across the district.
Kogi East APC Primary: Echocho Rejects Results, Alleges Massive Rigging
In what observers have termed the biggest upset of the exercise, the incumbent senator representing Kogi East, Jibrin Isah Echocho, suffered a humiliating defeat, managing only 51 votes despite seeking a third term in office.
Former governorship aspirant, Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, popularly called Muri, endured an even grimmer outing after polling just three votes in the keenly watched primary, despite his forgiveness and apology for reconciliation with Yahaya Bello, former governor of the state.
Dr. Tim Nda Diche recorded 3,238 votes to finish a distant second, while Okutepa Usman Danladi secured 85 votes amid scattered votes from other aspirants.
The outcome has triggered intense political conversations within APC circles, with many analysts describing the exercise as a decisive rejection of the old order and a strong signal of emerging power blocs ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Party supporters who thronged the collation venue erupted in jubilation immediately after the declaration of results, as Erico’s supporters celebrated what they called a “total takeover” of Kogi East politics.
