Whispers of a major political shake-up are echoing across Kogi State as speculation mounts that a wave of dismissals may soon hit political appointees perceived to be loyal to Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. While no official announcement has been made, the tension is thick enough to be felt in government offices, political circles, and even community gatherings.
For weeks, the state’s political atmosphere has been charged with silent maneuverings. Stakeholders say the situation is a reflection of the realignment of interests ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period that naturally compels political actors to reaffirm alliances, demonstrate loyalty, and reposition themselves within the state’s evolving power structure.
The Roots of the Tension
Hon. Faleke, a prominent political figure with deep grassroots networks, has long commanded loyalty among many appointees serving across various sectors in the state. His political strength—shaped by years of influence within the national political space—continues to make him a force that cannot be easily ignored.
However, recent political developments suggest that the state’s leadership may be taking steps to consolidate internal control, especially as new alliances form and the political temperature rises toward 2027. In such scenarios, appointees who are seen as aligned with alternative power blocs often find themselves in uncertain terrain.
What Is Fueling the Rumours?
Several factors have intensified the speculation:
Recent statewide assessments of appointee performance, which some insiders interpret as a subtle search for grounds to justify impending replacements.
Heightened political repositioning, especially among stakeholders seeking proximity to the current state leadership to secure relevance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Strategic grassroots mobilization by emerging political actors, which has led to suspicion that loyalty within government structures may be shifting.
Although none of these factors confirm an imminent purge, political watchers agree that they create fertile ground for such possibilities.
Appointees on Edge
Across various MDAs, the atmosphere is one of quiet anxiety. Some appointees reportedly go about their duties with heightened caution, while others have intensified their engagement with community groups and party stakeholders, hoping their visibility will shield them from any potential political shake-up.
A senior civil servant who requested anonymity described the mood succinctly:
“Nobody wants to be found on the wrong side of internal politics. Everything is being observed—loyalty, performance, alignment. Everyone is sitting up.”
Broader Implications for the State
Any mass removal of appointees could produce ripples beyond political offices. It may:
Trigger fresh political alignments, as displaced appointees seek new platforms or alliances.
Create openings for new loyalists, reshaping the administrative structure across the state.
Intensify internal party debates, especially among factions already struggling for dominance.
Political analysts warn that such a reshuffle must be handled with caution to avoid deepening internal party fractures at a time when unity is crucial.
Faleke’s Silence and the Road to 2027
Interestingly, Hon. Faleke has maintained a calm, measured posture amid the rumours. His allies also refrain from public commentary, choosing instead to project confidence in his enduring political relevance.
As the 2027 political season draws nearer, Faleke’s influence—particularly within the ruling party at the national level—remains a significant factor. Whether or not a purge eventually happens, the current tensions highlight a central reality: the contest for political dominance in Kogi State is far from settled.
A State Watching and Waiting
Until an official statement emerges from the state government, the swirling rumours remain in the realm of political anticipation. But if history is any guide, political dynamics in Kogi State have rarely been static. Change, reshuffling, and realignments are not just possible—they are expected.
For now, all eyes remain on the state leadership, watching to see whether the murmurs of imminent sackings will transform into official action or fade into the background as yet another episode in the state’s continuous political theatre.
– Ibrahim Yahaya writes from Lokoja.
