Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has called on residents of the state to embrace peace and strengthen unity as preparations gradually build towards the 2027 general elections.
Bello made the appeal on Sunday while receiving party leaders from Kogi West Senatorial District at his residence in Abuja.
After listening to the concerns and remarks of his visiting guests, the former governor stressed that no divided group could expect to succeed, adding that lasting unity remains the foundation for political progress, socio-economic development and the overall wellbeing of the people.
Welcoming his guests, Bello acknowledged the issues they raised and maintained that the state’s socio-political challenges could only be resolved through collective effort and peaceful coexistence.
“Let me first and foremost welcome all of you to my place this afternoon. I have listened to you all and I quite understand your concerns. The only lasting solution to our socio-political challenges in Kogi State is for us to work together in unity and create room for peace,” he said.
“I served as governor for eight years, and His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo is governor today. His own tenure will also come to an end, just as another person will eventually take over. During my administration, I laid the foundation for unity among the people of Kogi East, Central and West, and Governor Ododo is working tirelessly to build on that legacy. If we fail to remain united, we leave room for outsiders to sow further division among us. Our commitment to unity must be sustained if we truly want our people to prosper.”
Bello noted that politics naturally brings differing opinions and interests, making it unrealistic for everyone to agree on every issue. He urged people to respect one another’s political beliefs, adding that Kogi State would make greater progress when the majority remained united in pursuit of shared goals.
The former governor also commended the leader of the visiting group, who is also the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd), for his professionalism, dedication and outstanding service to the state. According to Bello, Omodara has distinguished himself not only as a worthy son of the Okun nation but also as a committed patriot who has consistently delivered in service to Kogi State.
Speaking on the forthcoming general elections, Bello expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would record an overwhelming victory in Kogi State, describing the prediction as sacrosanct. He noted that the state’s voting pattern has consistently favoured the All Progressives Congress (APC) from top to bottom, and urged party members to work towards delivering a similar outcome for all APC candidates in the next elections.
Earlier, the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (Rtd); Alfred Bello, Esq.; Hon. Bola Fabola, Esq.; Hon. Funsho Olumoko; Rt Hon. Ahmed Umar Imam; and other speakers reiterated their support for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration. They emphasised the need to ensure his re-election in 2028, arguing that the existing political understanding with Kogi Central Senatorial District should be honoured.
They described their support for Governor Ododo as uncommon, driven not only by a sense of reciprocity but also by a shared commitment to ensuring stable governance and continued development across Kogi State.
The delegation also praised the former governor for his vision in establishing Kogi State University, Kabba, describing the institution as the fulfilment of a long-standing aspiration that had remained unrealised under previous administrations.
