Residents of South South extraction living in Kogi State have pledged to deliver over 60,000 votes for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the 2027 governorship election, citing what they described as his people-centered leadership and giant strides across the state.
The pledge was made during a historic courtesy visit to the Governor in Lokoja, the first of its kind since the state’s creation, according to organizers. The delegation spoke on behalf of South South natives from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers states resident in Kogi.
The visit was led by Abu Michael, Spokesperson and Leader of the South South People in Kogi, who said it had the backing of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, and the Edo State APC Chairman, Jarret Tenebe. Michael commended Ododo for his role during the APC primary and the 2023 governorship election, describing him as the first Kogi governor to prove himself a true friend of Edo State.
The group highlighted what it called notable achievements across five sectors:
- Health: The construction and equipping of 110 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the state’s 21 local government areas, aimed at expanding access to quality, affordable care at the grassroots.
- Education: The renovation of more than 500 public schools, sustained free WAEC registration, free education at the primary and secondary levels, and infrastructural upgrades at tertiary institutions including Kogi State University (KSU) Kabba, the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) Okene, and the College of Medicine in Anyigba.
- Workers’ welfare: Payment of salaries above the national minimum wage, a tax holiday for civil servants, and what the group described as a break from years of late and partial salary payments.
- Aviation: Ongoing development of a new airport intended to boost connectivity and investment.
- Commerce: Construction of a new international market and other modern markets aimed at growing internally generated revenue (IGR).
“Your Excellency, these giant strides are not going unnoticed. The South South stands with you and commends your people-centered leadership,” Michael said.
In a show of political support ahead of the 2027 elections, Michael declared the group’s endorsement of Ododo for a second term and pledged support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the state.
“We the people of the South South hereby pledge to deliver over 60,000 votes. We overwhelmingly endorse Gov. Ododo for a second term. We will also vote President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the state,” he said.
Responding, Governor Ododo described the gesture as unprecedented and pledged to run an inclusive administration. He described South South residents in Kogi as peaceful and law-abiding, reaffirming that his government serves all residents regardless of origin. He went on to outline additional efforts by his administration across key sectors of governance.
The highlight of the visit was the presentation of a souvenir and the conferment of the traditional title “Oshio of Edo Kingdom” on Governor Ododo, presented by Chief Alex Odiase on behalf of the delegation.
The group closed the visit with a prayer for the Governor. “We pray for more wisdom and strength as you continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State,” it said.
