The recent communique from the Zone B leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi Local Government, calling for the 2027 House of Representatives seat for Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency to rotate to Kogi LGA, is less of a shock and more of a reflection of a long standing conversation about fairness and equity in political representation.
Rooted in historical precedence from the election of Hon. Isah Abdulkareem Isah Wambai from Zone C, his replacement by Hon. Ibrahim Shaba Ibrahim from Zone A, to the present agitation from Zone B; the demand speaks to a cycle that many believe should now favour Kogi LGA.
The communique, issued on 8th August , 2025 after a well attended zonal meeting at the residence of Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku, Zone B leader, set out clear resolutions that the House of Representatives seat should, in fairness, leave Lokoja LGA; zoning arrangements for other elective positions, including State Assembly seats, should be respected; Zone B should receive greater government patronage through appointments; and the adoption of His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term was reaffirmed.
The meeting also established a 5-Man INEC sensitization committee, led by Abdulrahman Original, to mobilize eligible new voters.
Present were notable figures including the Executive Chairman of the Kogi State Civil Service Commission, Barr. Muhammed Tanko Musa Osuku; former Senior Special Assistant to Governor Yahaya Bello, Elder Yahaya Shadow; Special Adviser on Emergency Management, Hon. Muhammed Shuaibu Asio; Senior Special Assistant on Climate Change, Hon. Rilwan Bala Ette ; the APC Chairman for Kogi LG, Hon. Hon Abubakar Onah; LG woman leader Mrs. Angulu; ward chairmen from the four electoral wards of Zone B; and several former political appointees.
While the timing and political permutations are already inviting discussions, what stands out is the unity of purpose and the structured approach Zone B is taking in stating its case.
In the coming days, it will be interesting to see the mix of voices; some rooting for the return of the incumbent while others push the fairness argument.
However, what becomes of the federal constituency will depend on our ability to engage in constructive discussions that balance performance, loyalty and equity in shaping its political future.
For now, the message from Zone B is loud, clear and strategically positioned that fairness demands a turn for Kogi LGA.
Interesting days ahead!
– Abdulkadir Bin ABDULMALIK
Founding Member, APC Kogi LGA,
Kogi State.
