By Musa Bakare.
As Kogi State approaches 2027, it stands before a defining political choice. At such moments, politics must transcend slogans, personal ambition, and partisan manoeuvres. It must speak to justice, equity, and the long term stability of the state.
Across communities, traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and informed opinion leaders, one message is gaining unmistakable clarity: the time has come for Kogi West to produce the next Governor of Kogi State.
This call is not driven by emotion or routine political bargaining. It is rooted in fairness, historical balance, and the imperative of inclusive governance.
Since the creation of Kogi State in 1991, political power has been between Kogi East and Kogi Central. Kogi East has produced governors who governed for over sixteen years, while Kogi Central has enjoyed two full terms and currently occupies the seat of power. Throughout this period, Kogi West, despite its population strength, intellectual depth, electoral value, and consistent political loyalty has never been given the opportunity to lead.
Kogi West has remained central to the survival and stability of governments in the state. It has mobilised votes, sustained party structures, forged cross senatorial district alliances, and defended successive administrations, often at significant political cost. Repeatedly, it has been asked to sacrifice its aspiration in the name of unity. But patience without inclusion, when prolonged, ceases to be noble; it becomes exclusion.
Kogi West is not short of capacity. The district has produced seasoned professionals, legislators, technocrats, administrators, and nationally respected leaders who have served Kogi State and Nigeria with distinction. Its demand is not for charity or special privilege, but for fair access to leadership, the right to lead a state it has consistently helped to build and stabilise.
Equity is not generosity; it is justice. History shows that when questions of fairness are ignored, political alienation deepens, voter confidence erodes, and long term instability sets in. Kogi State cannot afford such a path.
Beyond zoning, the case for Kogi West is strengthened by competence. The district possesses credible leaders with experience in governance, economic management, security, and grassroots mobilisation. This is why the advocacy now resonates beyond senatorial district lines. Increasingly, voices from Kogi East and Central acknowledge a fundamental truth: fairness now aligns with proven leadership capacity.
The year 2027 therefore represents a moral and strategic crossroads for Kogi State, a choice between repeating historical imbalance or correcting it; between short term political calculations and enduring unity.
Allowing Kogi West to lead is not a concession. It is a prudent, stabilising, and forward looking decision, one that signals inclusion, rebuilds trust, and strengthens the foundations of the state.
The people of Kogi are not asking for the impossible. They are asking for balance, respect, and a genuine sense of belonging for every senatorial district.
As 2027 draws nearer, the message continues to gain strength and legitimacy:
It is time for Kogi West.
– Musa Asiru Bakare, a foundation member of APC and Political Analyst, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
