By Musa Bakare
The debate about power rotation in Kogi State should no longer be just a whisper among the people of the West Senatorial district of Kogi state. The Awalokan call, It is our turn, should stridently gain momentum across the length and breath of the land. This is not just a slogan; it is a historical demand anchored on fairness, inclusion, and justice.
However, the reality is clear, no people are ever handed power on a platter. Power is demanded, organized for, and strategically pursued. If Kogi West is truly determined to make true its turn, they must move beyond rhetoric into deliberate action.
The single greatest weapon against Awalokan is division among the people themselves. For too long, external forces have exploited disunity, playing one community against another, one leader against another, one political camp against another.
For Awalokan to succeed, all Kogi West leaders, traditional, political, religious, youth, and women must close ranks.
Differences in party affiliation must not override the collective goal. Whether APC, PDP, SDP, or otherwise, every Kogi West son and daughter must recognize that it is about our collective interest first.
They must avoid internal betrayals, sabotage, and selfish negotiations that mortgage the future of the entire people for short term personal gain.
While unity is non negotiable, Awalokan cannot be won by their votes alone. Politics is about numbers, relationships, and alliances.
Kogi West leaders must court allies in Kogi Central and Kogi East, presenting Awalokan as a question of fairness, not rivalry.
They must assure their brothers in other senatorial districts that Kogi West leadership will guarantee inclusivity, equity, and development for all.
The Yoruba saying is apt here: “Ti a bá dákẹ́ tàrà wà àbà wà dakẹ.” (Our silence now will silence our quests). Dialogue and persuasion are key.
Awalokan must not only be about It is our turn, It must also answer: What will our leadership bring to Kogi State ?
A credible development blueprint should be prepared and widely circulated, focusing on, inclusive governance and equitable distribution of resources, revitalization of education, agriculture, and industrial capacity, especially given Kogi West’s unique strengths.
Infrastructural development that connects all zones of the state, transparency and accountability to restore faith in governance, Kogi West must show that beyond fairness, they are ready to lead with vision.
Kogi West sons and daughters in the diaspora, within Nigeria and across the world are influential in terms of resources, ideas, and advocacy. Their involvement is crucial.
Diaspora networks should be mobilized to support Awalokan financially, intellectually, and politically. They can serve as lobbyists, bridging the district’s aspirations with national power centers.
Their voices on media platforms and social spaces amplify the legitimacy of our call.
In today’s politics, youth and women are not just participants, they are game changers. Kogi West youth must drive grassroots mobilization, especially across wards and local governments.
Women, who remain the backbone of electoral participation, must be deliberately carried along through empowerment and inclusion.
Social media, town halls, and grassroots engagement must be effectively deployed to spread the message of Awalokan.
The battle for Lugard house will not only be fought at the ballot box but also in the media space. Negative narratives have long been used to downplay Kogi West aspirations. This must change.
Kogi West must have a strong media strategy to highlight their history, their contributions, their sacrifices, and their right to lead.Opinion articles, interviews, and publications must consistently keep Awalokan in public discourse.
Every insult or falsehood must be countered with facts, calmly but firmly, ensuring the their voice is never drowned.
As earlier highlighted, many Nigerian states Abia, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Edo, Enugu, and Lagos have perfected the practice of power rotation. They recognized that fairness builds stability.
Kogi West has never produced an executive governor for the state.
Kogi must not continue to remain an exception.
Kogi West must consistently remind the state and nation that justice delayed is justice denied, but justice must never be perpetually postponed.
Awalokan must be pursued with dignity, not arrogance. We must ground our demand in the fear of God, cultural values, and respect for others.
We must avoid vulgarity, bitterness, or insults in our campaign. Instead, we must carry ourselves with grace and dignity, showing we are ready to lead by example.
Awalokan is not a cry of desperation. It is not against anyone. It is a legitimate demand for fairness and inclusion. It is a call to history. It is a covenant with justice.
For too long, Kogi West has been patient, loyal, and supportive in the politics of Kogi State. Now, as approaches, we must unite, mobilize, and act with focus.
If we stay divided, we will fail. But if we unite with clarity, alliances, vision, and discipline then nothing can stop Awalokan.
The time has come.
The future is now.
Awalokan.
It is our turn !
– Musa Asiru Bakare, Foundation Member APC and Political Analyst, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
