By Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi
The people of Kogi State have witnessed another local government election without widespread reports of violence, a development that has renewed conversations about the security legacy of former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello and the transformation of the state’s electoral atmosphere under his administration.
For ordinary Kogites, this is more than just another election. It is about the freedom to leave home, go to a polling unit, cast a vote and return safely to one’s family without fear of gunshots, political thugs or violent confrontations.
That sense of security was not always taken for granted.
Before Yahaya Bello became governor in November 2015, elections in Kogi State, particularly at the grassroots level, were often overshadowed by fierce political rivalries, tension and reports of violence in some communities. Local government elections could become frightening experiences, leaving residents worried about their safety and the consequences of political disagreements.
In those days, the fear surrounding elections could be as memorable as the elections themselves. For many residents, the concern was not simply who would win, but whether the exercise would end without bloodshed.
Today, the conversation is different: Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo is preserving the peace that allows people to vote without fear.
Under Yahaya Bello, security became a major part of the state government’s agenda. His administration placed considerable emphasis on confronting security threats and working with security agencies to protect lives and property. His supporters credit these efforts with helping to change Kogi’s security narrative and create a calmer atmosphere for political participation.
The peaceful local government elections witnessed during his tenure became an important part of that narrative. And with another election reportedly taking place peacefully today, Kogi residents see a continuation of the culture of calm that they associate with Bello’s administration.
The significance is easy to understand at the grassroots.
A market woman who can open her shop without worrying about election violence has something to be grateful for. A farmer who can travel to his community and vote safely has a reason to appreciate peace. A young person who can participate in politics without being dragged into violence has a better opportunity to contribute to the future of the state.
These are the everyday benefits of security that ordinary people understand, not through political speeches, but through their daily experiences.
Of course, the peaceful conduct of an election is a collective responsibility. The present government, security agencies, electoral authorities, political parties and voters all have a role to play.
The importance of sustaining peace cannot be overstated. Elections should be occasions for choosing leaders, not moments when families fear for the lives of their loved ones. Political disagreements should end at the ballot box, not in the streets.
For Yahaya Bello’s supporters, the latest peaceful election is another reason to remember his administration’s security efforts. They believe that one of the greatest contributions a leader can make is to help create an environment where citizens can participate in democracy without living under the shadow of violence.
And that is why today’s development deserves attention beyond party politics.
A peaceful election is a victory for the people, regardless of who wins. It protects lives, strengthens democracy and gives communities the confidence to move forward.
If Kogi State can continue to conduct elections peacefully, that achievement will become a legacy shared by every administration and every citizen committed to protecting the state.
But for those who remember the fear and tension associated with earlier electoral contests, the contrast remains significant. They see in today’s relative calm a reminder of how far the state has come and an opportunity to acknowledge the leaders whose policies and actions they believe helped shape that progress.
Yahaya Bello may no longer occupy the Lugard House, but the debate over his legacy continues. For his supporters, peace remains one of the strongest points in his favour.
From the grassroots to the corridors of power, the message is simple: Kogi has more to gain from peace than from political violence. Whatever the political differences, the safety of the people must always come first.
– Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi writes from Okene.
