By Musa Bakare.
Dear brothers and sisters,
For over three decades, while Kogi East and Kogi Central Senatorial Districts have produced elected executive governors, Kogi West has never had the opportunity to lead.
Despite this unbalanced reality, our sons and daughters have remained peaceful, loyal, and consistent contributors to the political stability of Kogi State and to the progressive ideals of Nigeria.
At every election cycle, Kogi West’s voices are often loud on social media but fragmented on the ground. Competing interests, political ego, and internal rivalries have too often robbed us of the collective strength we need to bargain effectively.
Worse still, some of our social activists are often seen taking confrontational positions against the ruling Federal Government. We can no longer afford this.
As Nigeria’s political landscape begins to shift toward the 2027 general elections, one truth should remain constant in the mind of every son and daughter of Kogi West; the long standing exclusion of our people from the governorship seat since 1991.
However, it is not enough to lament or trade accusations with the Federal Government or anyone else. If Kogi West truly desires political inclusion and recognition in 2027, we must implore our children, both at home and in the diaspora, to begin engaging in thinking more strategically, collaboratively, and less confrontationally.
Our renewed quest to produce the next governor of Kogi State must be rooted in diplomacy, not division; persuasion, not provocation. Endless confrontation and harsh criticism of Federal government policies will not serve the urgent needs of our fatherland. Let us take a deep breath and think carefully about our approach and our future.
Rather than allowing disagreements with those in power to define us, we must rally behind the people centered reform and transformation policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, policies that should speak for all Kogi West citizens, from Kabba to Isanlu, from Mopa to Egbe, from Iyamoye to Ayere, and from Agbaja to Koton-Karfe.
From this moment forward, we must prioritize the Kogi West political interest above political party or personal affiliations.
History shows that societies that succeed politically are those that build consensus and project a common voice, not those that attack themselves and the well intentioned Federal government efforts at every turn.
Our path forward, especially for our eloquent and very intelligent equity advocates, must include constructive engagement with the Federal Government, particularly with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose political legacy rests on recognizing loyalty and rewarding inclusiveness.
The people of Kogi West have long been consistent allies of progressive politics. This relationship must now be nurtured, not strained through unbridled criticism.
While activism is vital, it must be guided by wisdom, purpose and especially by what do our people needs. A loud voice that divides cannot achieve what a calm strategy that unites can.
I therefore call on all Kogi West respected voices, social activists, content creators, and equity advocates to help steer our advocacy toward dialogue and constructive partnership. Let us move from social media outrage to community organization. Let us replace confrontation with coalition.
Let every Kogi West citizen, youths, women, traditional leaders, and professionals across the world feel part of this noble struggle.
As 2027 approaches, we have a moral and historical duty to act peacefully, strategically, and in unity. Kogi West has given so much to Kogi State and Nigeria; intellectual excellence, administrative competence, and service in both public and private sectors. What we seek now is not charity but justice, inclusion, and recognition.
The future of Kogi State depends on justice, equity, and fairness among its three senatorial districts. The peace of the state depends on equity. The pride of Kogi West depends on our ability to rise above internal discord and present a united, forward looking voice.
The time for political maturity is now. The time for unity is now. Let us approach 2027 not with bitterness but with the clear conviction that Kogi State belongs to all Kogites and that Kogi West deserves to lead, and will lead, through wisdom, strategy, and unity.
Sincerely,
– Musa Asiru Bakare
Concerned Kogi West Citizen & Advocate for Equity.
