By Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi
As political conversations ahead of the 2027 governorship election gather momentum across Kogi State, one message is becoming increasingly clear: the future of the state should be determined by performance, stability and the collective interest of the people, not by divisive politics or sectional sentiment.
Recent arguments suggesting that Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo should serve only one term because of his senatorial district may resonate emotionally with some political interests, but they raise a more fundamental question: should Kogi State sacrifice continuity and stability simply to satisfy political calculations?
For many observers, the answer is no.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was elected by the people of Kogi State through a democratic process that cut across the three senatorial districts. His mandate did not come from Kogi Central alone; it came from Kogi East, Kogi West and Kogi Central. That mandate deserves the same constitutional respect accorded to every democratically elected governor in Nigeria.
Democracy is built on the principle that leaders are judged by their performance and, ultimately, by the verdict of the electorate, not by assumptions rooted in historical grievances.
Those who seek to compare the current administration with previous governments overlook an important reality: every administration is different. Governor Ododo should be evaluated on his own record, his own leadership style and his commitment to serving every community in the state.
History offers valuable lessons, but it should not become a barrier to progress. Kogi people must avoid allowing yesterday’s political disappointments to determine tomorrow’s decisions.
The real concern of ordinary citizens is not where a governor comes from. Across Lokoja, Okene, Kabba, Ankpa, Dekina, Anyigba, Ibaji, Ajaokuta, Yagba, Bassa and every other part of the state, people desire the same things, good roads, improved schools, quality healthcare, stronger security, opportunities for young people, support for farmers and an economy that creates jobs.
These are the issues that should shape the 2027 election.
Continuity remains one of the most important ingredients of sustainable development. No serious government can fully implement long-term policies in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, education and economic transformation without adequate time to consolidate its programmes.
Just as a farmer does not abandon a healthy crop before harvest, Kogi State should not interrupt policies and programmes that require time to deliver their full benefits. Stable governance inspires confidence, attracts investment and enables long-term planning.
Supporting Governor Ododo’s constitutional opportunity to seek a second term should not be mistaken for opposition to the legitimate political aspirations of Kogi West or any other senatorial district. Every zone in Kogi State has capable men and women who can aspire to lead the state. However, democracy also requires respect for constitutional processes and the mandate freely given by the electorate.
When the appropriate time comes, every qualified aspirant should be free to present a vision to the people. Until then, the focus should remain on governance, not premature succession battles.
Kogi has made remarkable progress whenever its people have chosen unity over division. Politics built around ethnic rivalry ultimately benefits only a few politicians, while ordinary citizens continue to demand better roads, improved livelihoods, prompt salaries, modern schools, functional hospitals and a peaceful environment in which businesses can thrive.
The politics of “us versus them” has never built roads, created jobs or improved public services. Unity, continuity and responsible leadership do.
As 2027 approaches, Kogites must resist attempts to reduce the governorship contest to a debate about geography. The defining question should instead be whether the administration has advanced development, strengthened institutions and improved the welfare of the people.
If Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo continues to earn the confidence of the electorate through his leadership and performance, then he deserves the same democratic opportunity enjoyed by governors across Nigeria, to seek a second and final term.
Ultimately, power belongs neither to political elites nor to sectional interests. It belongs to the people of Kogi State.
If the people remain satisfied with Governor Ododo’s stewardship, they should renew his mandate. If they desire change, democracy equally provides them with that right.
The future of Kogi State should be guided not by fear or division, but by hope, fairness and continuity. A united Kogi is stronger than a divided Kogi, and sustained progress is best secured when leadership is allowed to consolidate its vision.
For many citizens, the road to a greater Kogi begins with continuity, not division. If the people so choose at the ballot box, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo should be supported to complete two constitutionally permissible terms in the interest of stability, democratic consistency and enduring development.
– Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi writes from Okene.
