By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
There was rejoicing on Saturday as Fidelix Joseph Bagudu emerged winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) bye-election primary into the House of Representatives (HoR) for Chikun/Kajuru constituency of Kaduna State, North-Central Nigeria.
The primary was to fill the seat made vacant following the death of Hon. Abubakar Adams Ekene, the Labour Party (LP) member of the House of Representatives representing the constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Sports, in July, 2024.
Bagudu, from Kajuru Local Government Area (LGA), who was declared winner of the primary, polled a total of 98 votes to defeat his two opponents in the bye-election, which held at Wusilli Hotel, Sabon Tasha, Chikun LGA.
The two opponents, Comrade Yakubu Waziri and Arc. Sani Abbas, came second and third with five votes and one vote respectively.
Announcing the results, the APC bye-election Delegate Appeal Committee Chairman, Hon. Suleiman Abduwasiu, declared Bagudu winner and returned him elected, having scored the highest number of votes cast.
The primary commenced about 2:59 pm after accreditation of delegates from Chikun/Kajuru LGAs wards.
Of the six aspirants cleared to contest the bye- election, three later announced their voluntary withdrawal from the race, appreciating State Governor Uba Sani for his support.
Voting commenced with 110 delegates from the wards of the two LGAs (Chikun and Kajuru) performing their civic responsibility.
Abduwasiu also announced that the total number of accredited delegates was 107, who all voted, even as 104 of the votes were deemed valid and three declared invalid.
In his acceptance speech, Bagudu thanked the delegates and said his victory is for all, urging everyone to unite to enable APC win the general election billed for later this year.
He promised to deliver on his promises, if he emerges victorious at the election proper.
Dignitaries who witnessed the bye-election included Rep Yakubu Barde, officials of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State APC officials.
