Amakoromo Waikumo of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has emerged victorious in the re-run election for Yenagoa Constituency 2, Bayelsa State House of Assembly.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Waikumo the winner on Saturday, February 3rd, following the election held in seven units across Gbarain 1 & 2, and Ekpetiama 1 & 2 wards. These areas previously witnessed electoral malpractices, prompting the initial cancellation of results.
Waikumo secured 5,959 votes, edging out his closest rival, Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 5,263 votes.
“By the powers vested in me, and having satisfied all legal requirements and emerged with the highest number of votes, I hereby declare Warikumo Amakoro winner of the Yenagoa Constituency 2 re-run election,” announced Prof. Chris Onyema, the state returning officer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University, Otuoke.
This victory comes after a legal tussle. While Waikumo was initially declared winner of the election held on November 11th, 2023, Koku-Obiyai challenged the outcome in court. The court subsequently ordered a re-run.