…Researched and contributed by Larry John.
Former Kogi West Senator, Dino Melaye, emerged as the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primaries in Kogi State.
The result was declared on Sunday by the returning officer.
Melaye secured 313 votes to defeat his closest rival, Idoko Ilonah, who scored 124 votes.
Awoniyi Sunday had 77 votes, while Musa Wada had 56 votes.
Melaye will now represent the PDP in the governorship election against Usman Ododo, the flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.
The victory in the primaries is an important step for Melaye, as he seeks to challenge the incumbent governor of the state, Yahaya Bello, in the coming election.
Melaye is a popular figure in Kogi State and has been a vocal critic of Governor Bello.
His victory in the PDP primaries is seen as a major boost for the opposition party in the state, as they seek to unseat the ruling APC.
However, he will face a tough challenge in the election, as the APC has a strong presence in Kogi State.