The Senior Special Assistant to Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Grassroots Mobilisation, Hon. Amodu Abubakar, says the long-standing aspiration for an Okun-born governor is within reach, but only if pursued through strategic alliances, internal unity, and a deepening of the historic political ties between the Okun and Ebira nations.
Speaking on the political trajectory of Kogi State, Hon. Amodu argued that the push for the governorship must be anchored in pragmatic calculation rather than emotion. He said durable political success depends on trust, coalition-building, and a clear roadmap toward electoral victory — pointing to what he described as the age-long bond between the Okun and Ebira people, dating back to the era of the old Kwara State, as one of the region’s strongest political assets.
He said the relationship should be strengthened in the interest of equity, justice, and sustainable power-sharing across Kogi’s senatorial districts.
Hon. Amodu maintained that the Okun nation is not short of qualified leaders capable of governing the state, citing figures across politics, governance, business, academia and the private sector. He said what remains necessary is strategic planning, unity of purpose, and political maturity to convert that pool of talent into electoral success.
On Calls for Faleke to Run
The aide also addressed growing agitation for Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, the federal lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, to contest the Kogi governorship. He described Faleke as one of Okun’s most prominent ambassadors on the national stage, praising his legislative record and impact.
However, Hon. Amodu cautioned that pressuring Faleke to abandon his national responsibilities at this time would be premature and distracting, urging Okun people instead to continue supporting his work in Abuja rather than pulling him into a state-level contest.
Defending Support for Ododo’s Second Term
Addressing criticism of prominent Okun figures who back Governor Ododo’s re-election bid, Hon. Amodu rejected the notion that such support works against Okun interests. He framed it instead as a matter of reciprocity, noting that the Ebira-dominated Central Senatorial District has historically championed power shift and inclusion within the state.
On that basis, he argued, it is only fair for Okun leaders to back Ododo’s completion of a second term — a move he said would build the trust needed for the Central district to later support an Okun candidate for governor.
“This is not about surrendering our aspiration. It is about pursuing it wisely,” he said, describing the approach as one built on relationship, timing, and mutual understanding rather than confrontation.
Appeal for Unity
Hon. Amodu appealed to political leaders, youth groups, professionals, traditional institutions and socio-cultural organisations across Okun land to guard against divisions that could weaken their collective bargaining position. He urged stakeholders to build consensus internally while engaging other parts of Kogi State through dialogue and partnership.
He concluded that unity remains the Okun nation’s greatest political asset, expressing confidence that sustained discipline and strategic alliance-building — particularly with the Ebira — would eventually deliver the state’s highest office to an Okun son or daughter.
