By Musa Tanimu Nasidi
The debate over which senatorial district should produce the next governor of Kogi State in 2027 continues to shape political discourse across the state. While consultation and strategic alliances are legitimate features of Democratic politics, recent remarks attributed to the Chairman of the Kogi West APC Leaders Forum, Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), at the palace of the Obaro of Kabba, have raised a fundamental question: who truly speaks for Kogi West?
According to reports, Commodore Omodara stated that Kogi West cannot, on its own, produce the governor in 2027 and that the district’s best option is to support Kogi Central. He further emphasized that nothing should come between Kogi West and Kogi Central, while dismissing the possibility of an Okun candidate emerging as governor in 2027.
Every citizen, regardless of political affiliation, has the constitutional right to express an opinion and advance a political aspiration. However, individual views should not be mistaken for the collective position of an entire senatorial district.
Kogi West is not a monolithic political bloc represented by a single individual or forum. The district comprises seven local government areas with diverse political interests, traditional institutions, community leaders, youth organizations, women’s groups and other stakeholders who have the right to determine their political future.
The position advanced by Commodore Omodara and his associates cannot automatically be regarded as the unanimous voice of Kogi West. Political discussions concerning the future of an entire district require broad consultation and consensus, not declarations by a select few.
More importantly, the issue before the people of Kogi is fundamentally one of equity, fairness and political inclusion. Since the creation of Kogi State in 1991, different parts of the state have occupied the governorship seat at various times. It is therefore not unreasonable for many citizens to argue that Kogi West deserves the opportunity to produce the next governor when the time comes.
Kogi West possesses the human capital, political experience and administrative capacity required to govern the state effectively. The district has produced distinguished public servants, military officers, technocrats, academics, business leaders and politicians who have contributed immensely to the development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
Democracy is strengthened when every component of a state or federation believes it has a genuine opportunity to aspire to leadership. Denying or prematurely dismissing such aspirations may deepen feelings of exclusion and weaken the spirit of unity that political leaders often seek to promote.
It is also important to recognize that long years of service within an administration can naturally shape political perspectives. Commodore Omodara has served in government for more than a decade in various capacities and has remained a prominent figure within the political establishment. His loyalty to existing political arrangements is therefore understandable. Nevertheless, loyalty to a political structure should not be interpreted as the collective aspiration of the people of Kogi West.
The people of Kogi West must be allowed to determine their political direction through broad consultations involving all stakeholders across the seven local government areas. No individual, regardless of influence or proximity to power, should unilaterally define the limits of the district’s political ambition.
As 2027 approaches, the conversation should move beyond personal interests and focus on what best promotes justice, equity and sustainable political harmony in Kogi State. The governorship should never be treated as the exclusive preserve of any district, nor should any section of the state be discouraged from legitimately aspiring to lead.
If Kogi is to strengthen its democracy and preserve its unity, every senatorial district must be given a fair opportunity to participate fully in the leadership process. For many in Kogi West, the aspiration to produce the next agovernor is not merely a political ambition; it is a call for inclusion, fairness and equal belonging within the Kogi project.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi writes from Lokoja.
