Supporters and admirers of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, have declared that no amount of hate campaign, political propaganda, or calculated calumny can diminish the continued political relevance and influence of the former governor, nor derail the growing popularity of the incumbent Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, ahead of future political contests in Kogi State.
Despite sustained criticism and opposition attacks, political observers and grassroots supporters across the state insist that performance, strategic leadership, continuity and visible governance remain the major factors shaping public confidence in both leaders rather than politically motivated distractions.
According to stakeholders, the achievements recorded during Yahaya Bello’s administration laid a formidable foundation for sustainable growth, infrastructural transformation, security reforms, youth empowerment and administrative restructuring, all of which continue to strengthen his political influence across the state.
Observers note that during his tenure, Bello positioned Kogi State on a path of modernization through strategic investments in road construction, healthcare delivery, educational development, civil service reforms and improved security architecture aimed at tackling criminal activities in several parts of the state.
Many residents and political supporters also credit Bello for redefining governance in Kogi State through the unprecedented inclusion of youths and women in leadership positions. His administration was widely recognized for appointing young professionals and technocrats into strategic offices, a development many described as revolutionary in the political history of the state.
Supporters further argue that Bello’s leadership style promoted political stability, unity and inclusiveness across ethnic, religious and regional divides, while strengthening grassroots participation in governance. Analysts believe that one of his enduring political strengths remains his deep grassroots connection and the loyal political structure he built across the three senatorial districts of the state.
According to supporters, this explains why repeated attempts by critics and opposition figures to diminish his political relevance have continued to produce little impact among the people.
Speaking on the current administration, many stakeholders described Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo as a worthy successor who has remained committed to consolidating on the developmental strides and governance philosophy initiated by the Bello administration.
Since assuming office, Governor Ododo has consistently emphasized continuity, inclusive governance and accelerated development through people-oriented policies and programmes across critical sectors of the state economy.
Supporters point to ongoing infrastructural projects, rural development initiatives, agricultural support programmes, improved workers’ welfare and community engagement efforts as evidence that the present administration is determined to sustain and expand the achievements of the immediate past government.
Residents across various communities have also commended the Ododo administration for maintaining relative peace and stability while ensuring that governance remains focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots.
Across political gatherings and public engagements, supporters insist that the alliance between Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo represents continuity, stability, strategic leadership and sustained development for Kogi State.
They argue that the growing acceptance of Governor Ododo and the enduring popularity of Yahaya Bello are rooted in what they describe as visible governance, accessibility, impactful leadership and practical results felt by ordinary citizens across the state.
While opposition voices continue their criticisms, many supporters maintain that elections are ultimately determined by the people, their experiences and their confidence in leadership performance rather than campaigns of bitterness, misinformation or political hostility.
As political activities and conversations ahead of future electoral contests continue to intensify, supporters remain confident that the legacies of Yahaya Bello and the consolidation efforts of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will continue to shape the political direction, stability and development trajectory of Kogi State for years to come.
– Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi writes from Okene.
