Our attention has been drawn to a statement credited to a faceless group alleging attempts to impose Distinguished Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho) on the people of Kogi East. These claims are misleading, baseless, and a deliberate distortion of the political realities in Kogi East.
First, the assertion that there is an established zoning arrangement in Kogi East is simply untrue. Recent political developments have exposed the weakness of this claim. Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka and Dr. Kashim Akor voluntarily stepped down in support of Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho), recognizing that there is no binding zoning formula governing Kogi East politics. Significantly, both leaders hail from different federal constituencies, Idah and Ankpa respectively, yet acknowledged Senator Echocho’s broad acceptability, political strength, and widespread support across the district.
Their decisions reflected not only personal conviction but also the collective position of stakeholders from their respective constituencies, who considered Senator Echocho the most viable and widely accepted candidate.
It is equally important to state that Dekina Federal Constituency, Senator Echocho’s home constituency, is strongly advocating for his return to the Red Chamber for a third term in recognition of his outstanding performance, effective representation, empowerment initiatives, legislative contributions, and his commitment to the development of Kogi East.
Senator Echocho’s record in the Senate has earned him goodwill that transcends sectional interests. His appeal cuts across federal constituencies, wards, and communities because leadership is ultimately measured by service, impact, and results not propaganda or manufactured narratives.
Furthermore, dragging the name of the Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, into local political contests without credible evidence is unnecessary and appears aimed at creating avoidable tension within the party. The people of Kogi East are politically conscious, mature, and fully capable of making their own decisions without external influence or sponsored narratives.
Those promoting division through unfounded zoning claims should understand that democracy thrives on fairness, competence, popularity, and the will of the people. Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho) remains a formidable political figure whose growing support is rooted in his proven performance, accessibility, and enduring connection with the grassroots.
We therefore urge all stakeholders to embrace issue-based politics, respect democratic processes, and refrain from inflammatory statements capable of undermining the unity, stability, and progress of our great party.
– Mikail Ibrahim
Special Adviser to Senator Isah Jibrin Echocho on Media and Publicity
