Melaye was senator representing Kogi West on the platform of the All Progressives Congress during the 8th Assembly.

In a rerun of the PDP primary on Tuesday, Yusuf polled 163 votes to beat Melaye who scored 99 votes.

1. Speaking shortly after the exercise, Yusuf, a member representing Kabba-Bunu/ Ijumu Federal Constituency, described his victory as the will of God.

The lawmaker also thanked leaders of Kogi West Senatorial District for their roles in his emergence as the candidate of the party.

He said, “I feel very happy, I thank Almighty God, only Him has done this most importantly, i thank my family, my leaders and supporters, they have given me all support for this past few months, they have lost me because of this election.

“I thank the party executives across the seven local government areas, delegates, all the party faithful and host of other leaders; whatever you ask us to do, we will do and I promise not to disappoint you all.”

He commended the delegates for casting their votes for him, saying that he would continue to hold them in high esteem.