Tension is steadily rising across Kogi Central as signs of political resistance begin to surface ahead of the next senatorial contest. What was once silent dissatisfaction has now grown into a loud call for fairness, equity, and political justice. A protest vote is no longer a possibility—it is becoming a certainty.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s zonal leadership must take urgent note: the people are watching, and patience is running out.
Elders and stakeholders from the Old Okehi axis—comprising Adavi and Okehi Local Government Areas—alongside the politically marginalized communities of Ajaokuta and the long-neglected Ogori/Magongo LGA, have made their position clear. They will not support any senatorial candidate imposed from Okene LGA under the current structure of imbalance.
This is not a threat—it is the voice of a people pushed to the edge.
History reminds us of a time when leadership was guided by fairness and strategic balance. During the era of great leaders like the late Usman Abatemi and Senator A.T. Ahmed of blessed memory, political power was deliberately shared. The deputy governorship seat was zoned to Okehi LGA, producing respected figures like His Excellency, Phillip Salau, while Okene retained the senatorial position. That was politics with conscience. That was leadership with vision.
Today, that balance has been abandoned.
A small circle of self-acclaimed leaders has continued to recycle power among themselves for over a decade. For more than 12 years, key political offices and strategic government positions have remained concentrated within the same bloc, leaving other local governments politically starved and structurally excluded.
The evidence is visible, Okene alone:
Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice: Barr. Muzi Yinus Abdullahi
Commissioner for Health: Dr. Adams Abdulaziz
Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development: Engr. Mohammed Abdulmutalib
Chief of Staff: Ali Bello
Beyond these, the dominance extends deeply into critical state institutions:
Accountant General: Dr. Habibat Oyiza Tijjani Onumoko
DG, Government House Administration: Dr. Umaru Oricha Shuaibu
SUBEB Chairman: Mallam Abdulrazaq Muhammad Yusuf
KGSSEB Chairman: Dr. Habiba Suleiman
Chairman, Kogi State Hajj Commission: HRH Ohi of Okengwe
APC State Chairman (2026): Engr. Aliyu Momoh Ezzu
Key agencies are not left out:
DG, RARA: Engr. Ohieku Muhammed Salami
MD, KOGROMA: Engr. Yunusa Aminu Alhassan
MD, KOTRAMA: Aminu Abdulrazak
MD, RUWASSA: Ahovi Salami Ibrahim
MD, ADP: Bello Salim Ogirima George
Executive Secretary, Office for Disability: Yakubu Nasir Abdulhakeem
Executive Director, Primary Health Care Development Agency: Dr. Musa Omeiza Muazu
This pattern raises a fundamental question: Where is fairness? Where is inclusion? Where is justice?
The people of Kogi Central are not political slaves. They are stakeholders in the democratic process and deserve equal representation. Governance must not be reduced to a monopoly of a single local government or sub-clan.
If this imbalance continues, the consequences will be unavoidable. The protest vote already building across Kogi Central will speak louder than words at the ballot box.
The message is clear and urgent:
Time for change.
Time for liberation.
Time to right the wrongs.
The APC leadership must act now to restore balance, rebuild trust, and prevent a political backlash that could reshape the outcome of the senatorial election.
– Pa Steven Bello Onukaba
Leader,
Equity and Justice, Adavi-Okehi Elders Council
