Kogi West political, traditional, and community leaders have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in 2027, following a significant leadership and security summit held on Monday in Kabba. The summit also saw stakeholders demand a stronger security framework across the district.
The meeting drew a broad spectrum of participants, including traditional rulers, academics, political figures, youth leaders and women’s groups.
Leading the array of traditional rulers in the district to the event was the revered Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area traditional council covering the entire five local government of Okunland, including Ówóró people of Lokoja LGA, the Guest Speaker, emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi examined the history and ongoing dynamics of power and leadership struggles in the state, with emphasis on the political trajectory of Kogi West in a topic titled “Kogi West, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
In a communique issued at the end of the summit, participants emphasised that unity, cooperation and strategic engagement are central to the district’s long-term political aspirations.
“If politics is truly about who gets what, how, and when, then unity of purpose must guide Kogi West,” the communique stated. The leaders also honoured the contributions of Kogi’s founding political figures, including Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Senator Ahmadu Ali, describing them as pillars who shaped the state’s development.
Governor Ododo’s administration received strong commendation for the significant progress in infrastructure and governance that participants described across all senatorial districts.
The communique noted that his developmental strides had “changed the physical landscape of Kogi State and brought succour to the citizenry.” They also praised his support for enhancing security, urging further assistance to intelligence networks to curb emerging threats. The summit concluded that Ododo “deserves continuity in office come 2027” and formally endorsed him for re-election.
Looking ahead, the leaders insisted that Kogi West must produce the governor in 2031 after Ododo’s potential second term. They said the district had “waited patiently for 36 years to occupy the Lugard House”. They should now be “rewarded unconditionally” with the state’s leadership after the second term of the incumbent Governor in 2031.
The summit concluded with appreciation for the organisers and attendees, with leaders noting that the meeting marked a significant milestone in Kogi West’s efforts toward unity, improved security, and future political advancement.
