In the often turbulent terrain of Kogi State politics, loyalty is fleeting, alliances are temporary, and political relevance is usually measured by influence rather than impact. Yet, every once in a while, a political figure emerges whose appeal cuts across party lines, social classes, and ethnic sentiments. In Lokoja II Constituency, many now argue that the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, popularly known as “Assignment,” has become one of such rare figures.
That reality was once again displayed when leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lokoja II Constituency gathered at UBE Primary School, Felele, in Oworo Ward of Lokoja Local Government Area to publicly affirm their support for the Speaker’s second-term ambition.
The gathering was not merely a routine political endorsement. It reflected a growing consensus among many political actors that Aliyu Umar Yusuf has redefined representation in Lokoja Local Government since his emergence in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
Political observers at the event described the Speaker as a grassroots politician whose style differs from the traditional elitist approach commonly associated with public office holders. According to many of the speakers, his accessibility and consistent engagement with ordinary citizens have strengthened his popularity beyond partisan boundaries.
One of the most striking testimonies came from a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who confessed that the Speaker’s emergence as the APC candidate in 2023 altered his long-held political allegiance.
“I have never defected in my over 30 years in politics, but since Assignment secured the APC ticket in 2023, I had no option other than to join the APC. Today, I have no regrets,” the elder statesman declared.
Such statements may sound dramatic in ordinary political gatherings, but in Kogi politics — where defections are often driven by personal interests — the comment revealed the depth of admiration some stakeholders now have for the Speaker.
For many of his supporters, Aliyu Umar Yusuf’s strength lies not only in political loyalty but in what they describe as practical representation. They argue that his interventions in agriculture, education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and infrastructure development have directly impacted lives across Lokoja II Constituency.
Coming from the riverine community of Duji in Budon District, the Speaker is said to understand the realities facing rural dwellers and farming communities. His soft loan programmes for farmers were repeatedly highlighted during the affirmation gathering as one of the initiatives that strengthened grassroots support for him.
Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, one of the speakers at the event, pointed to the turnout of supporters from distant communities such as Abugi in Kupa District as evidence of the Speaker’s widespread acceptance.
“He is our sole candidate because he touches the lives of our people in all sectors — agriculture, education, health, skill acquisition for youths and women, as well as physical development,” he stated.
The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu, also joined other party leaders in praising the Speaker’s leadership qualities, while prominent stakeholders described him as a unifying force within the APC family in Lokoja.
Another political figure, Hon. Haruna Isah, reportedly described Aliyu Umar Yusuf as a “speaking Speaker” and a pillar of politics in Lokoja II Constituency, noting that his leadership style within the State Assembly has earned him respect among fellow lawmakers.
Indeed, within the Assembly, the Speaker’s calm disposition and consensus-building approach have often been cited as factors responsible for the relative stability enjoyed by the legislature under his watch.
Supporters at the event also highlighted his close political relationship with Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello, describing him as a loyal ally and dependable political associate.
Beyond politics, many participants referenced his traditional title as the Badakoshi of Lokoja and commended his contributions during the coronation activities of the Maigari of Lokoja, His Royal Highness Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir Maikarfi IV. According to them, his role in strengthening traditional institutions has further enhanced his standing among the people.
While political endorsements are not new in Nigeria, what appears significant in the case of Aliyu Umar Yusuf is the consistency of the narrative surrounding him: accessibility, grassroots connection, loyalty to political leaders, and visible constituency interventions.
Whether these endorsements will automatically translate into future electoral victories remains a question for the ballot box. However, one fact appears difficult to ignore — in Lokoja II Constituency today, the political brand called “Assignment” has become more than a nickname; for many supporters, it has evolved into a symbol of political performance and grassroots relevance.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi, a journalist and publisher of TheAnalystMedia, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
