![Usman Egbunu](https://i0.wp.com/thestreetreporters.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/20160126084644.jpg?resize=200%2C200)
Ahead of the swearing of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State on Wednesday, the campaign coordinators of the Governor-elect have nominated an Abuja-based publisher and politician, Mr. Gowon Usman Egbunu, as their preferred deputy governor-elect.
Egbunu, a Christian, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government, the area where the late flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Abubakar Audu, hailed from. James Abiodun Faleke, who was picked by the APC as the running mate to Bello, turned down the nomination, insisting that he should be declared the governor-elect.He earlier ran the election with the late Audu before his sudden death last November. Egbunu’s nomination was contained in a-six-page letter addressed to the governor-elect and signed by Dr. Yakubu Ugwalawo, the leader and senatorial coordinator, as well as Hassan Haruna, Yahaya Menyaga and Prince Isah Abdullahi, zonal coordinators and nine others, who are local government coordinators.In the letter, copies of which were sent to the National Chairman of the APC, the National Deputy Chairman (North-central), the National Secretary, State Chairman, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment (who is from Kogi State) and APC senators from Kogi State; the coordinators said the nomination of Egbunu was based on the fact that he is tested, trusted and dogged.Other signatories are Mallam Abdulsalam Yahaya, Ankpa; Mr. Peter Agasokoa, Bassa; Alhaji Umar Usman, Dekina; Lawrence Ugbaje, Ibaji; MallamAmadu Sule; Comrade Jibrin Courage Usman, Igalamela/Odolu; Mallam Kadri Ochemi, Ofu; Attayi Okolo Musa, Omala and Mr. Friday Adejoh, Olamaboro.