For over three decades since the creation of Kogi State in 1991, the governorship seat has remained elusive for Kogi West. The story of the state has been a story of one major district. Kogi East produced Prince Abubakar Audu, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and Capt. Idris Wada. But recently, there was an intervention that could only be understood by divinity. That was when Kogi Central produced Alhaji Yahaya Bello and now Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. Kogi West, despite parading some qualified and experienced politicians, has only come close but never clinched it.
The reason is not far-fetched. Politics is a game of numbers and Kogi West is the smallest in voting strength. To become governor, the West needs a strong alliance with either the East or the Central. In the past, Kogi West made the mistake of aligning with Kogi East, and the result was betrayal. The promise of support never materialized, and Kogi West was left stranded.
Today, the political reality has changed. Power now rests in Kogi Central, and Central has shown more fidelity to political agreements. The alliance that brought Governor Ododo to power in 2023 was built on trust between Central and the West, and Ododo has kept that trust by carrying Kogi West along in governance, appointments and projects. This is why a stronger and sincere alignment with Central is the most viable path for Kogi West.
If Kogi West, especially the Okuns Nation stands together for Ododo’s second term in 2027, the district will be negotiating its future from a position of strength. By delivering a united and convincing vote for Ododo, Kogi West will be telling Central that loyalty must be repaid with loyalty. It will be difficult for Central to deny the West in 2031 after the West stood solidly with its son for eight years. In politics, goodwill is built by investment and the best investment Kogi West can make now is in Ododo’s re-election.
A divided Kogi West will again miss this golden opportunity. If Yagba votes differently from Kabba-Bunu, or Lokoja works against Ijumu and Mopamuro, the district will have no moral voice to demand power in 2031. The East and Central will take it as a sign that the West is not ready.
But a united Kogi West – from Lokoja to Koton-Karfe, from Kabba to Isanlu, from Iyara to Mopa – will guarantee a smooth and seamless power shift in 2031. The time to unite is now. Support Ododo for a second term and secure Kogi West’s turn afterwards.
CHIEF RICHARD ASAJE
Founder/Nat’l Coordinator,
Like Minds Alliance Pressure Group
17th Sept. 2026
