The time has come for the people of Okehi to speak with one voice. Silence at this moment is no longer golden—it is dangerous.
It is a great insult and a clear betrayal that while discussions are ongoing about the possibility of APC reclaiming the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, some political actors are shamelessly floating the idea of recycling former Governor Yahaya Bello for the Senate. This is unacceptable.
Let us examine the facts dispassionately.
Okene axis has produced a Governor, a Chief of Staff, an Accountant-General, three Commissioners, and several Executive Chairmen of strategic agencies. Yet, despite this overconcentration of power, Okehi people are expected to sit quietly while decisions that affect our future are taken without us—or worse, against us.
If we cannot stand together as an entity and defend our collective interest, we may soon be forced to seek political alliances outside Ebiraland just to avoid becoming strangers—or slaves—in our own land.
Let us also correct the false narrative being peddled in some quarters. The victory of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was not accidental. It was largely the result of the administrative failures and grave errors of the Yahaya Bello administration, which pushed even loyal APC members to vote massively against their own party in 2023.
It must be stated clearly:
Senator Ohere did not lose because of lack of resources. Cars, money, and incentives were distributed. Yet, the people rejected him because he was perceived as part of the cabal that engineered the inhuman policy of half salaries for eight painful years under a failed government. That suffering remains fresh in our memories.
Available data and political realities show that over 50% of APC members voted for Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in 2023, not out of party loyalty, but as a protest against the failures and excesses of the previous administration under Yahaya Bello.
Now we ask:
Is it that there is no competent, qualified, and credible son or daughter of Okehi that the current administration can support?
If political manipulation is once again deployed to sideline Okehi, let them try it and face the inevitable consequences at the polls.
Let it be known and clearly recorded:
It is Okehi’s turn, and it is sacrosanct.
The wounds inflicted by the previous government under FGYB have not healed. Across Ebiraland, no single clan was spared the tragedy of unexplained disappearances and missing sons. This dark chapter was never experienced during the era of Governor Ibrahim Idris or Governor Wada. We must ask ourselves a painful question: why did it happen under our own?
Enough is enough.
Okehi people will no longer tolerate political negligence, marginalization, or betrayal. We demand justice, fairness, and inclusion. Our voices will be heard, our interests defended, and our future protected—by all lawful and democratic means.
The renaissance of Okehi has begun.
– Engr. Abedo Muktat
President General, Old Okehi Renaissance Movement
