As we approach 2027 general elections and politicking commence, it is important to present facts that should guide our politicians on fairness and equity.
Expectedly, many aspirants are already jostling to occupy the Yagba West State Constituency seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Yagba West local government is a distinct LGA in Kogi State with beautiful political tradition.
Let’s recall the history of Yagba West State Constituency since 1999. It has been a tradition to rotate the Yagba West House of Assembly slot between Area Council and Town Council.
The present occupant, Hon Ibikunle Idowu Kuli, is from Ogbe in the Area Council.
In Town Council, with 7 wards within Egbe, Oke Egbe has 4 wards and Odo Egbe boasts of 3 wards.
The last occupant from Town Council hails from ward 02 Oke Egbe, so, normally it should be the turn of Odo Egbe in Town Council.
However, since the formation of APC in 2014, ward 04 Oke Egbe has been marginalized. The highest position zoned to Ward 04 is APC local government party secretary and even during the time of PDP, ward 04 only enjoyed party leadership as chairman. Ward 04 has not benefited in the local government council Chairman and House of assembly slots.
The marginalization has drawn the ward backwards. For equity and balancing, we are soliciting that ward 04 Oke Egbe produce the next House of Assembly for Yagba West in 2027.
It is important to take a look at the current situation in Yagba West, considering who occupies elective positions and political appointments.
Local government council Chairman – ward 03 Odo Egbe
APC party Chairman – ward 01 Odo Egbe
APC party State Assistant Secretary – 02 Odo Egbe.
Present Senator presenting Kogi West – Ward 01 Odo Egbe.
Executive Director of National Primary Health Care development Agency – Ward 01 Odo Egbe.
Executive Director of Admin and Finance, Niger River Basin Development Authority – Ward 03 Odo Egbe.
Education Secretary of SUBEB, Yagba West chapter, – ward 01 Odo Egbe
Former SA to the Governor of Kogi State – ward 02 Odo Egbe.
While observing the above listed positions, it is worth mentioning that Ward 04 Oke Egbe does not have a single SSA at the state level. The marginalization is too much!
We appeal to the Chief Servant of Kogi State, Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, the State Party Chairman, Engr. Aliyu Momoh Ezzu and other leaders to consider our appeal and zone the Yagba West House of Assembly ticket of APC to Oke Egbe Ward 4.
This will strengthen our party with even spread of leaders across all strata of the local government.
We are not against any aspirant but we are want justice, equity and fairness. We want balanced representation and we want the best for our beloved party, the All Progressives Congress.
– Barnabas Adeyemi writes from Egbe, Yagba West LGA.
