According to the Nation newspaper, about 27 aspirants have indicated interest to contest in the Kogi state governorship primary following the death of Audu Abubakar.

Some of them include:

• Alhaji Yahaya Bello,
• Senator Abatemi Usman,
• Alhaji Sanusi Abubakar (Gamji),
• Adinoyi Onukaba-Ojo
• Sadiq Adaba
• Suleiman Baba Ali,
• Otunba Suleiman Lanre,
• Dr Yakeen Abdullahi,
• Rotimi Obadofin,
• Olusola Olumoroti
• Clarence Obafemi
• Sani Shu’aibu,
• Air Vice Marshal Atawodi Saliu,
• Hadiza Ibrahim,
• Abdullahi Suleiman,
• Yakubu Mohammed,
• Senator Yahaya Ugbane,
• James Ocholi (SAN),
• Abutu Ejeh,
• Hussain Idris,
• Sunday Edibo,
• Dr. Tim Nda Diche,
• Aliyu Jiya,
• Alex Kadiri
• Usman Mainyanga