Daura secured victory in the primary held on Monday, May 18, 2026, after defeating his closest rival, Ahmed Kabir.

Reports indicate that the election was organised to determine the party’s candidate for the senatorial district ahead of the upcoming general elections.

According to the results announced after the exercise, Daura polled the highest number of votes, defeating Kabir to clinch the APC ticket for the Daura zone.

His emergence means he will now represent the ruling party as its senatorial candidate in the forthcoming election.

Observers say his current position as Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly could boost the party’s campaign strength in the district, given his influence within the state legislature and across the region.

The Daura senatorial zone comprises 12 local government areas, including Baure, Bindawa, Daura, Dutsi, Ingawa, Kankia, Kusada, Mai’Adua, Mani, Mashi, Sandamu, and Zango.

With this victory, Daura is now positioned as a key figure in the APC’s preparations for the senatorial contest ahead of the general elections.

Reports indicate that the primary election, held on Monday, featured two other aspirants contesting the party’s ticket.

Bello defeated the APC Diaspora Secretary, Momoh Obaro, and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke to secure the party’s nomination for the senatorial district.

His victory comes after days of tension and speculation within political circles over his clearance to participate in the exercise.

The former governor’s political future had been the subject of debate following concerns over his screening process and eligibility to contest the primaries.

Earlier reports suggested that Bello did not appear before the APC screening panel, raising questions about his participation in the race.

However, the APC National Assembly Screening Committee later cleared him alongside other aspirants, allowing him to contest in the senatorial primaries across Kogi State.

The development followed earlier uncertainty within party ranks, with reports indicating that 17 senatorial aspirants were cleared across the state’s three senatorial districts.

The controversy surrounding his participation was further heightened by his ongoing legal issues with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Despite the initial speculation, Bello was eventually placed on the ballot and went on to secure victory over his opponents.

His emergence now positions him as the APC candidate for the Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.

The seat is expected to be highly competitive, given Bello’s influence as a former two-term governor and the political weight of the district.

Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, now prepares for a new political battle as parties intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.

Reports indicate that Tinubu, in a statement issued on Monday, also condemned the killing of one of the abducted teachers, describing the act as cruel and unacceptable.

The attack occurred last Friday when armed men invaded Esiele community and abducted staff and pupils from Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School.

Tinubu said security agencies have intensified operations in the area, stressing that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and apprehend those responsible, including collaborators within the community.

He extended condolences to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government, and families affected by the incident, assuring them of the Federal Government’s continued collaboration until all victims are safely rescued.

The President commended the Inspector-General of Police and officers in Oyo and Kwara States for their swift response, noting that tactical units and the Intelligence Response Team were immediately deployed for rescue operations.

He added that the Inspector-General of Police is personally supervising the operation under presidential directive, expressing optimism that progress would soon be made and those responsible brought to justice.

Tinubu also noted that the rising cases of kidnapping in some parts of the country highlight the urgent need for state policing, particularly in areas with limited security coverage.

He called on the National Assembly to fast-track legislative processes that would enable states to establish their own police structures to strengthen security nationwide.