The campaign for the 2027 general elections is gaining early momentum in Kogi State as a key aide to a federal lawmaker has publicly begun mobilising support for his principal's return to the National Assembly.
Appeal for Continuity Based on Track Record
Bashiru Abdul Mohammed (BAM), the Special Adviser on Public Communications to House of Representatives member, Rt. Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, has formally appealed to the people of Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency. He urged them to grant the lawmaker a third term mandate in the upcoming 2027 polls. Bashiru made this appeal during a press conference with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
He argued that continuity in representation is crucial to consolidate the developmental and legislative gains the constituency has achieved under Abejide's tenure. Describing his principal as a seasoned politician and outstanding legislator, Bashiru said the call for a third term is driven by Abejide's quality representation, people-oriented interventions, and effective participation in national lawmaking.
National Recognition and Legislative Achievements
Bashiru, who also chairs The Watch Newspaper & TV, highlighted Abejide's national profile. He noted that the lawmaker's oversight role with the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has been particularly impactful. This contribution earned him the National Award of Excellence as the Most Outstanding Legislator from North Central Nigeria in 2025, presented by the Movement Advocacy for Good Governance and Leadership Forum (MAGOLF).
On specific legislative wins, the media aide pointed to Abejide's instrumental role in the repeal of the outdated Customs Act and the enactment of the modern Nigerian Customs Service Act, 2023. He also sponsored the Federal Medical Centre Act (Amendment) Bill in 2025. Bashiru linked these efforts to tangible results, disclosing that the Customs Service surpassed its 2024 revenue target of ₦5.07 trillion, generating over ₦6.1 trillion, with a 2025 target now set at ₦10 trillion.
Constituency Development and Security Investments
The core of the appeal rested on Abejide's direct investments in his constituency. Bashiru provided a detailed breakdown of interventions he claims have transformed Yagba Federal Constituency:
- Over ₦1 billion dedicated to widows' support, feeding programs, and various empowerment initiatives.
- ₦710 million in development support disbursed across 71 different communities within the constituency.
- Inauguration of the Lion Squad security outfit to combat terrorism and insecurity, supported by donations of motorcycles, security vans, and financial backing for vigilante groups.
- Provision of hundreds of millions in non-interest loans to businesswomen through the Leke Abejide Foundation.
- Extension of the school feeding programme to the neighbouring Kabba/Bunu Federal Constituency.
Other listed projects include the installation of solar streetlights, road construction and maintenance, free WAEC registration for students, donation of SUVs to party leaders and traditional rulers, and the facilitation of federal employment opportunities for Okun indigenes in various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Bashiru framed Abejide as a national asset whose political influence now extends across Kogi State. He made an emotional plea for re-election, stressing that a third term would guarantee experienced legislation, stronger federal presence, and greater inclusion for Yagba people in national affairs. He concluded by urging constituents to consider this track record and capacity, and to entrust Abejide with another mandate for sustained development.
