As 2014 brings us closer to the election year of 2015, the political gladiators of Lokoja1 State Constituency are starting to role out their Political Arsenal to battle their way to the Kogi State Assembly Chambers. This development is more interesting as this has given Lokoja Sons/Daughters the opportunity to test their popularity and acceptability to represent the peoples mandate come 2015. The Aspirants that are currently gathering momentum are:
1. Alhaji Suleiman Babadoko:
He is currently the House of Assembly Member Representing Lokoja 1 Constituency. He is a young man in his 40s and with some achievements. He was formerly, the Executive Secretary Kogi State Muslim Pilgrimage Welfare Board under the the then Government of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris. A position he alledgedly used to Influence the Governor, PDP State Executives, PDP Ward Executives and other stakeholders to attain his current height. He has over time given scholarship to some Lokoja Students and of lately distributed motorcycles to Lokoja Youths. However, Hon. Suleman Babadoko is vying against all odds. Lokoja Local Gov’t hardly gives room for second term, not even in the History of her House Assembliship.
2. Umar Gwadabe a.k.a Double Prince:
He is the Son of the late Maigari of Lokoja and a Nephew to the current Maigari. He is a young man and a contractor. He is New to the gladiatorial political scene. However, he is also gathering some momentum as to his popularity and achievements. Scattered round the town of Lokoja is the poster and flyers of Double Prince, even the lips of Lokoja Youths are not left out. He registered his presence in the minds of the people when he repaired the Karaworo, Wallace Street, Maigari Palace and Kabawa interior roads which have been in the state of disrepair for many years. He also aided the purchase and installations of transformers in many communities in Lokoja Municpality, couple with numerous scholarships to students. Double Prince another aspirant to beat come 2015.
3. Lady Mrs. Nnasha Ihiunde:
She is an elegant, beautiful and buoyant societal lady. The daughter of the Marafa of Lokoja. She is born and brought up abroad, heavily educated and versely knowledgeable of Nigerian Challenges, with great emphasis on Lokoja, which motivated her to quit her job abroad and returned to her Hometown to set-up the Jonathan Yusuf Foundation(JYF) which is saddled with the responsibilities to Empower Lokoja Women and Indulge Lokoja Youths Positively through skills acquisition like; Computer training, Tailoring,Tutorial, Football Academy, Bids Making etc. However, her candidature has been the talk of the town because of the courage she posses to bout the men and her confidence when she speaks. Mrs. Nnasha Ihiunde is a candidate to look out for come 2015.
As 2015 Gradually Approaches and with the calibre of individuals that have thrown in their towel for the contest, it will not be out of place if we predict that the battle may be too tough on the parts of the electorates as, they are left with too many juicy options. The Cap Shall Not Lie When It Comes to Fitting Come 2015.
By: Comrade Umar Dan’Assabe Muhammed, a social commentator, political scientist and the Admin Lokoja Local Gov’t Sons and Daughters.
