Kogi West leaders endorse Ododo for 2027, establish zonal security joint task force to curb banditry

Kogi West political, traditional and community leaders have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in 2027 following a major leadership and security summit held on Monday in Kabba, where stakeholders also called for a strengthened security framework across the district. The meeting drew a wide range of participants, including traditional rulers, academics, […]

Kogi West political, traditional and community leaders have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in 2027 following a major leadership and security summit held on Monday in Kabba, where stakeholders also called for a strengthened security framework across the district.

The meeting drew a wide range of participants, including traditional rulers, academics, political figures, youth leaders and women’s groups. Leading the delegation of traditional rulers was Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area Traditional Council, which covers the five local government areas of Okunland, including the Òwórò communities in Lokoja LGA. The Guest Speaker, Emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi, examined the history and evolving dynamics of leadership in the state, with a focus on the political trajectory of Kogi West, in a lecture titled “Kogi West, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.”

In a communiqué issued at the end of the summit, participants stressed that unity, cooperation and strategic engagement are vital to the district’s long-term political aspirations. “If politics is truly about who gets what, how, and when, then unity of purpose must guide Kogi West,” the communiqué stated. The leaders also paid tribute to the contributions of notable founding political figures such as Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Senator Ahmadu Ali, acknowledging them as key architects of the state’s development.

Governor Ododo’s administration received commendation for what participants described as improvements in infrastructure and governance across all senatorial districts. The communiqué noted that the developmental initiatives had made visible impact across the state. Participants also commended the administration’s efforts in enhancing security and called for additional support to intelligence networks to tackle emerging threats. The summit concluded that Governor Ododo “deserves continuity in office come 2027” and formally endorsed him for re-election.

Looking ahead, the leaders reiterated that Kogi West should produce the governor in 2031 after a potential second term for Governor Ododo. They noted that the district had been patient in its quest for the governorship and should be considered for the position after 2031.

Participants also expressed concern over recent political statements circulating in the state, urging stakeholders to prioritize unity and constructive engagement.

To implement its resolutions, the summit announced the creation of three structures:

A seven-member Council of Kogi West Traditional Rulers to interface with stakeholders across other districts;

A seven-member Eminent Persons Group to lead political consultations; and

A Kogi West Security Joint Task Force to enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordinated vigilance across the seven LGAs, to be jointly coordinated by the local government chairmen.

The summit concluded with appreciation to organizers and attendees, with leaders noting that the gathering marked a significant step toward strengthening unity, improving security and advancing the political prospects of Kogi West.