James Faleke
According to reports, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is looking to the Igalas for a deputy governor, following the refusal of James Faleke, late Prince Abubakar Audu’s running mate in the November 21 Kogi state governorship election to take up the position.
Leadership reports that the APC over the weekend allegedly met with some Igala stakeholders in APC to see how an Igala would emerge deputy to Alhaji Yahaya Bello.
It was learnt that the Igala stakeholders, sons and daughters have indicated interest in the coveted position.
Faleke, has insisted he will not betray Prince Abubakar Audu’ s political empire so soon by becoming the deputy to governor-elect Bello.
Those alleged to have shown interest in the position when APC leaders approached the Igalas for the replacement of Hon Faleke, include Hon Simon Achuba, former House of Assembly member, Hon Tim Diche, governorship aspirant, Hon Ikani Okolo, member representing Dekina/Bassa federal constituency in the House of Representatives and Hon Aisha Audu née Emeje, former governorship aspirant.
However, speaking to Leadership, Alhaji Ibrahim Linco Ocheje said: “I heard the rumour about the party replacing Faleke but nobody has officially made the position known to me and as far as I am concerned it is mere figment of imagination of those clamouring to be deputy when the position is not zoned to the area.”
James Faleke, Bello’s purported deputy, declared that he would not be available for swearing in with Bello on January 27.
Faleke had, upon the death of his principal, Prince Abubakar Audu, written to the INEC asking them to declare him as winner of the polls, despite the INEC having initially declared the poll as inconclusive.