Kogi State stakeholders debate power rotation and 2027 election preparations

Stakeholders in Kogi State are engaged in a debate over the implementation of a power rotation system among the state’s three senatorial districts. Following a summit organized by the Kogi Unity Accord, a communiqué was released proposing an eight-year rotational governorship arrangement to begin in 2032, after the completion of Governor Usman Ododo’s second term. The Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly indicated readiness to provide a legal framework for this rotation.

However, the proposal has met significant opposition. Dr. Tom Ohikere, convener of the Coalition for Better Kogi State, rejected the summit's outcome, arguing that the proposed timeline would allow Kogi Central to maintain dominance. Ohikere and the socio-political group De Group, Kogi West O clock, are advocating for an earlier shift, demanding that the governorship rotate to the Kogi West district by 2028 to address perceived long-term marginalization.

In related political developments, preparations for the 2027 elections are underway. In Kogi Central, former Governor Yahaya Bello received a large reception from supporters following his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate. Meanwhile, in Kogi East, APC senatorial candidate Dr. Joseph Ameh Erico has held strategic meetings with party leaders to promote unity and strengthen grassroots structures ahead of the polls.