Politics in Kogi State has always been a game of interests, alliances, loyalty, and power calculations. However, beyond the political intrigues lies the bigger question of justice, fairness, and reward for loyalty. Today, many political observers across Kogi East and beyond are asking one important question: why is Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo allegedly uncomfortable with the growing political relevance of Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho despite his loyalty and contributions to the APC and the people?
The ongoing moves aimed at denying Echocho the APC ticket ahead of the next election are becoming increasingly difficult to understand, especially when there are strong indications that influential forces within the federal establishment believe Echocho deserves another opportunity to continue his representation, just as Senator Sunday Karimi is enjoying in Kogi West.
For many people in Kogi East, this is no longer just politics. It is gradually becoming a battle between performance and political insecurity.
Senator Echocho may not be a perfect politician, but one thing nobody can take away from him is his long-standing relationship with ordinary people. Long before politics brought him into national prominence, he built a reputation during his days in AfriBank as a man who used his position to uplift many sons and daughters of Kogi State through employment opportunities and support. Numerous families in Igala land and beyond still remember how he quietly helped young graduates secure jobs when opportunities were scarce.
In a country where many public officials use their offices only for personal gain, such gestures remain worthy of commendation. Interestingly, many beneficiaries of Echocho’s goodwill are today scattered across different sectors of the economy, surviving because one man once believed in helping his people.
What even surprises many political watchers today is the role being played by some individuals who were once among Echocho’s closest loyalists. In politics, betrayal is not new, but the speed with which some people abandon old alliances in pursuit of temporary political relevance continues to shock many observers.
There was a time when anyone seeking access to Echocho politically or personally had to pass through Alhaji Abubakar Rajab, one of his strongest political associates and defenders. Their relationship was widely known and respected. Today, however, the same Rajab is reportedly leading press conferences and political campaigns defending the actions of the Ododo administration against the same man he once proudly called his political leader and brother.
This development has left many supporters confused. It raises serious questions about loyalty and political consistency. If those who once benefited from a man’s political structure can easily turn against him, what message are we sending to younger politicians about loyalty and gratitude?
The alleged attempts to politically weaken Echocho also raise another critical issue: what exactly is the fear about his return
Nobody can deny that Governor Ododo inherited a difficult economic situation and has managed to maintain regular salary payments. Salaries are important because workers deserve to be paid. However, governance goes beyond salary payment.
Leadership is also about political inclusion, development projects, strategic empowerment, infrastructure, and building bridges across political divides.
Many APC supporters believe that Echocho’s political value to the ruling party, especially ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reelection bid, cannot be ignored. In Kogi East particularly, Echocho commands grassroots goodwill that has been built over many years through relationships, empowerment, accessibility, and political consistency.
President Tinubu and the APC need strong grassroots mobilizers with proven political structures across the country if the party hopes to consolidate its support base in future elections. In this regard, many believe Echocho remains a major factor.
– Musa Wada writes from Abuja.
