A coalition of Igala Youth and Women’s groups have berated Alhaji Abubakar Rajab for “his premature and reckless statements” against Senator Sunday Karimi, senator representing Kogi West that seeks to suggest Kogi East is in support and currently mobilizing for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s second term in office come 2027.
The coalition, in a statement signed by Mallam Sanusi Yunusa, described Alhaji Abubakar Rajab as a meddlesome interloper in the political affairs of Kogi West and one lacking the capacity to speak for the dogged people of Kogi East.
“Suffice to note that the so called Kogi East Elite Forum is a fictitious group created by Alhaji Rajab for his personal and selfish interest which does not reflect the true position of Kogi East,” the statement read.
In a joint statement made available to Kogi Reports on Tuesday in Lokoja, the group stated that the governorship election in Kogi State is two years ahead and as such, “disgraceful characters like Alhaji Rajab should allow Governor Usman Ododo concentrate on his mandate of delivering good governance to the people of Kogi state rather than distract him with premature and phantom endorsements.”
“More-also, it is pertinent to state that the so much emphasized slogan ‘Tinubu / Ododo Settled’ is not a joint ticket as both elections are different with a pregnant nine months interval; a time sufficient enough to give birth to a brand new baby in Kogi State if need be.”
The coalition noted that Kogi East is determined to approach the elections in 2027 one step at a time and is currently mobilizing for the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and wishes not to be distracted; stating further that, when Kogi East get to the bridge of who occupies Lugard House come 2027, it will cross it gallantly.
The coalition said its engagement with traditional rulers, community elders, business leaders and youth bodies indicated a collective resolve to mobilise massively for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election with a decisive advantage.
The group further stated that “the momentum for the political liberation of Kogi State is gradually building and is irreversible”.
The group urged members of the general public to disregard the statements which emanated from Alhaji Abubakar Rajab in a press conference, stating that he lacks the capacity to speak for the people of Kogi East under any guise.
