In the political history of Kogi State, few moments were as painful and defining as the sudden death of Prince Abubakar Audu in November 2015. The late prince was not only the first civilian governor of the state but also a towering figure whose political legacy reshaped the destiny of the Igala people and the entire Confluence State. His passing, coming at a time when victory was already within reach, left behind grief, uncertainty and a vacuum that could have swallowed the political relevance of his family and supporters. At that critical hour, one man stood firm in loyalty, principle and commitment — Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
To the Igala nation, gratitude is not merely a moral obligation; it is a cultural creed. It is in this light that the people must continue to appreciate Hon. Faleke for the sacrifices he made, the risks he took, and the political bridges he has built to ensure that the Audu family, and by extension the Igala people, did not fade into irrelevance after the tragic death of their patriarch.
Standing by the Igala in Their Darkest Hour
When Prince Audu died, many politicians retreated into silence or calculation. But Faleke, who was the running mate to the late prince, chose the harder path — loyalty over convenience. He openly defended the mandate of the joint ticket, insisting that the votes belonged to Audu and not to political opportunists. Even when pressures mounted and inducements were dangled before him, he maintained a principled stand that resonated across Nigeria.
This courage earned him the respect of millions, especially the Igala people who saw in him a rare ally from outside their ethnic bloc, a man who was willing to defend their political will even when it came at personal cost.
Preserving the Audu Political Legacy
Since that tragic episode, Faleke has consistently used his political capital to ensure that the Audu family remains relevant within the national political architecture. Through his close relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Faleke has quietly but effectively helped to keep the Audu name within the corridors of power.
Appointments, recognitions, inclusion in party structures and political consultations have not happened by accident. They are the fruits of Faleke’s deliberate interventions, his refusal to abandon the family of his late principal, and his understanding that politics is not only about winning elections but about preserving legacies.
The Igala people must recognize that without such sustained advocacy, the Audu family could easily have become a forgotten chapter in Kogi politics. Faleke has ensured that the story continues.
A Bridge Between Kogi and the Presidency
One of Faleke’s greatest assets is his strategic relationship with President Tinubu. This is not a relationship built on opportunism, but on years of trust, shared political struggles and mutual respect. In today’s Nigeria, access matters. Influence matters. Having a son of Kogi who is not only close to the president but trusted by him is a rare advantage that must not be taken lightly.
Faleke has consistently leveraged this relationship to open doors for Kogi — from infrastructure advocacy to political negotiations. While many talk loudly about federal presence, Faleke works quietly but effectively, ensuring that Kogi remains part of the national conversation.
Why Faleke Deserves to Govern Kogi State
Leadership is not a product of rhetoric but of record. Faleke’s political journey is a testament to discipline, sacrifice and consistency. From his days in the House of Representatives to his role as Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council in 2023, he has demonstrated administrative competence and political maturity.
He is not a man of sudden ambition. His aspiration to govern Kogi is anchored in experience, national exposure and a deep understanding of the state’s political complexity. He understands the need for balance between the three senatorial districts, the fragile ethnic dynamics and the importance of inclusive governance.
For the Igala people, supporting Faleke is not a betrayal of their identity; it is a strategic alliance that can finally return Kogi to the path of stability, development and unity.
A Moral Obligation for Presidential Support
Politics is built on loyalty, and President Tinubu understands loyalty better than most. Faleke stood by him through the darkest days of opposition politics, endured harassment, political isolation and personal risk. He did not jump ship when it was unfashionable to remain loyal. That loyalty was rewarded with trust.
It is therefore morally and politically right that the president should support Faleke’s aspiration to govern Kogi State. This is not favoritism; it is recognition of years of sacrifice in service of the progressive movement.
A Faleke governorship will not only consolidate APC’s dominance in Kogi but will strengthen the bridge between the presidency and the grassroots of the North Central.
The Igala Interest and the Faleke Project
For the Igala, politics must go beyond sentiment. It must be strategic. Faleke has already shown, through his actions, that he is a dependable ally of the Igala cause. He defended their mandate in 2015. He preserved the relevance of their foremost political family. He continues to advocate for their inclusion in national affairs.
The question is simple: if such a man is not worthy of Igala support, who is?
Supporting Faleke is not about ethnicity; it is about gratitude, foresight and political survival.
Conclusion
History does not forget those who stand firm when it is most inconvenient. Hon. Abiodun Faleke stood firm for the Igala people when Prince Abubakar Audu died. He did not abandon their cause. He did not trade their mandate for personal comfort. Instead, he turned his loyalty into a lifelong commitment to preserving the Audu legacy and ensuring that Kogi remains relevant at the national level.
Today, as he aspires to govern Kogi State, the Igala must remember those dark days and the man who refused to look away. Gratitude must be translated into support. Loyalty must be repaid with loyalty.
For the sake of the Audu legacy, for the future of Kogi, and for the consolidation of the progressive movement, Hon. Abiodun Faleke deserves not only the backing of the Igala people but the full support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
– Musa Wada, a public affairs analyst, sent this piece from Abuja.
muswady@yahoo.com
