Dr. Tom Ohikere, a two-term former Commissioner for Information in Kogi State, has rejected the outcome of the recently concluded Kogi Unity and Power Rotation Summit held in Lokoja. Ohikere described the resolution of the gathering as a thinly veiled attempt to legitimise the prolonged political dominance of one senatorial district at the expense of others.
Speaking in his capacity as the Convener of the Coalition for Better Kogi State, the former commissioner maintained that his stance on equitable power rotation remains firm. He insisted that Kogi West Senatorial District must be allowed to produce the next executive governor of the confluence state when the present administration concludes its current term in 2028.
Reacting to the summit which held at the K Galaxy Event Centre in Lokoja, Ohikere stated that his conscience would not permit him to defend the historical “17-16-0” political power equation among the state’s three senatorial zones. Breaking down the figures, he noted that Kogi East has held the governorship for a total of 17 years, while Kogi Central has governed for 10 years and is positioned to reach 16 years by 2032 should Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo complete two terms in office.
Ohikere, who hails from Okene in Kogi Central, stressed that Kogi West remains the only zone that has never produced an elected executive governor since the creation of the state. He argued that allowing Kogi West to govern for eight years starting from 2028 is the only fair path toward political inclusion and long-term stability.
Addressing the legitimacy of the summit, the former information chief questioned the legal standing of the convener group, pointing out that the “Kogi Unity Accord” is neither a registered political party nor an incorporated trustee under Nigerian law. He added that fears regarding the credibility of the process were confirmed following a statement by the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, who indicated that the legislature would enact a law on power rotation while advising aggrieved parties to seek redress in court.
According to Ohikere, the Coalition for Better Kogi State chose to boycott the Lokoja summit because the initiative failed to address the core issue of equitable power sharing. He argued that political rotation should be built on a broad-based, voluntary socio-political consensus rather than forced legislation that inevitably triggers endless litigation.
Proposing an alternative approach, Ohikere advocated for a political framework modelled after other states in the federation. He cited the operational charters of equity in Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River, where rotational arrangements succeed by political covenant rather than legislative compulsion.
Under his proposed “Kogi Charter of Equity,” power would rotate on an eight-year tenure structure across the zones. The formula envisions Kogi West producing the governor from 2028 to 2036, followed by Kogi East from 2036 to 2044, and Kogi Central from 2044 to 2052, ensuring that no senatorial district remains excluded from governance for extended periods.
Extolling the readiness of Kogi West, Ohikere highlighted the district as “Kogi in miniature” due to its rich socio-cultural diversity, host status to the state capital Lokoja, and its strategic position along key national economic corridors and agricultural belts.
To formalise the initiative, the coalition convener invited key stakeholders across the three senatorial districts—including traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth bodies, women groups, farmers, traders, and students—to attend the upcoming Kogi Equity, Unity and Rotation National Summit scheduled for the third week of October in Abuja.
Ohikere stated that the Abuja national summit will draft the final copy of the Kogi Charter of Equity, which will subsequently be presented to all registered political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and traditional institutions across the state. He urged all well-meaning citizens to support the movement, adding that moving the state from a “17-16-0” formula to a “17-16-8” structure is not an act of charity, but a necessary step toward justice, political healing, and enduring unity.
