In a significant political move, key stakeholders from Kogi West Senatorial District have thrown their weight behind Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, endorsing him for a second term in office come 2027. The endorsement was a central resolution of a major leadership and security summit held in Kabba on Tuesday, which also saw the launch of a new security architecture for the district.
Summit Unites Traditional Rulers and Political Leaders
The summit, which drew a wide array of participants including traditional rulers, academics, political leaders, youth representatives, and women's groups, was a demonstration of unity for the district. The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area Traditional Council, Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi, led a strong contingent of royal fathers to the event.
Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi delivered the keynote lecture, tracing the political journey of the district in a presentation titled “Kogi West, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” The gathering served as a platform to honour the contributions of the state's founding political figures, notably Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, and Senator Ahmadu Ali, who were described as pivotal pillars in Kogi's development.
Communique Highlights Development and Security
A communique issued at the end of the deliberations praised Governor Ododo's administration for making significant progress in infrastructure and governance across all three senatorial districts. It stated that his developmental strides have “changed the physical landscape of Kogi State and brought succour to the citizenry.”
On the critical issue of security, participants commended the Governor's support but urged further assistance to intelligence networks to curb emerging threats. To tackle insecurity head-on, the summit announced the establishment of a Zonal Security Joint Task Force specifically for Kogi West.
This new security body is designed to enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing, and coordinated vigilance across the seven local government areas in the district. The summit directed that the task force be jointly coordinated by the chairmen of these seven LGAs.
Political Roadmap: 2027 Endorsement and 2031 Demand
The leaders were unequivocal in their political resolutions. The communique concluded that based on his performance, Governor Ododo “deserves continuity in office come 2027” and thus formally endorsed him for re-election.
Looking further ahead, the stakeholders made a firm demand for the district's turn to produce the governor after Ododo's potential second term. They argued that Kogi West has “waited patiently for 36 years to occupy the Lugard House” and should be “rewarded unconditionally” with the state's leadership in 2031.
The summit also used the opportunity to condemn recent divisive political comments circulating in the state, labeling them as self-serving and detrimental to peaceful coexistence. A call was made for all political actors to promote unity and avoid statements that inflame tensions.
To ensure the implementation of these resolutions, the summit announced the formation of two key groups:
- A seven-member Council of Kogi West Traditional Rulers to liaise with stakeholders from other districts.
- A seven-member Eminent Persons Group to lead political consultations and engagements.
The meeting ended on a note of appreciation for the organizers and attendees, with leaders affirming that the summit marked a crucial milestone in Kogi West's quest for unity, improved security, and future political advancement.
