Without a shadow of doubt, Ane Igala has been the most liberal among the major ethnic groups in Kogi state.
While some commentators are trying to demonize us for championing Igala Agenda effectively during the last governorship election in Kogi state, the truth lies in recent and historic facts.
To start with, 2023 was not the first time our governorship race was tainted with ethnic colouration. It has always been since the creation of Kogi state.
In 1999, there was a massive push for Okun Agenda in the race between Arc Stephen Olorunfemi of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Prince Abubakar Audu of now defunct All Peoples Party (APP). Audu, an Igala man didn’t get 25% of votes cast in any of the 5 LGAs in Okun land. Such was the power of Okun Agenda in that election. However, the PDP candidate from Okun extraction got massive votes in Omala LGA, an Igala enclave.
In 2003, Ebiras voted enbloc for their son who flew the flag of now defunct UNDP even when they knew he doesn’t stand a chance to win the election. Ebira Agenda was real and massive during the election.
In 2007, Ebira Agenda was rife in support of their son, Senator Ohiare who was the candidate of now defunct ACN.
In 2019 and 2023, Ebira Agenda was up again support for their sons, Alhaji Yahaya Bello and Usman Ododo respectively.
It is an indisputable fact that all major ethnic groups in Kogi had at one time or the other filed behind ethnic agenda during governorship elections in the state. It is also a fact that while other ethnic groups shut out Igala candidates when their tribal agenda played on, Igala voter has a history of being liberal. INEC records are there to fact check my claims.
When it comes to politics, Igalas still boast of commanding electoral might. However, recent political experiments have shown that as big as we are, we can’t go alone. We need more friends than enemies.
As we go back to drawing board in preparation for 2027 elections, we must change our strategy. The time has come for us to play the Big Brother role in Kogi politics.
In 2027, we must prevail on our leaders to shelve their governorship ambitions. Let Igalas allow Ebiras and Okuns slug it out while Igalas, playing the beautiful bride, decide who wins.
With this arrangement, Igalas will support the candidate with better understanding of our challenges and aspirations. We will endorse the candidate with best plans for Igala land.
We will support the candidate with best plans for the development of our abundant coal deposits and vast cashew potentials that are rated highest in Nigeria.
We will support the candidate with best plans for agricultural potentials of Ibaji and who will ensure Ibaji gets her due as an oil producing community.
We will support candidates with best practical manifesto that will ensure massive job creation for our teeming youths.
While we ensure our choice execute projects based on agreed terms, we will easily lay claims to the governorship seat in 2031 or 2035 as the case may be.
We have a lot to gain as Big Brother Kogi than uniting other tribes against our people every four years.
– Adamu Ojonugwa writes from Lokoja.
