 In August 1991, Kogi state was created from parts of the old Benue and Kwara states.This coincided with one of Nigeria's many previous encounters with democracy, and Audu, being part of those who had advocated for the creation of the state and a notable son of the soil, was invited to contest for governorship.He contested on the platform of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and won the election held in November, 1991.