… Says Equity, Justice and Democracy Require Power Shift in Kogi Central; Insists Governor Ododo Must Be Free From Control
By|| Goodluck E. Adubazi || Abuja
Political stakeholders from Okehi and Adavi Local Government Areas have launched a coordinated resistance against any attempt to project former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, declaring that equity, justice, and democratic principles demand a shift in political power.
Operating under the banner of the Okehi–Adavi Political Defenders, the group announced the mobilization of veteran politicians with over three decades of experience, insisting that the long-marginalized Okehi Local Government Area must produce the next senator for Kogi Central.
According to the group, the move marks the end of what it described as “political domination by a single bloc,” and the beginning of an organized effort to reclaim the senatorial seat for Okehi.
‘NO MORE ONE-MAN CONTROL’
At a gathering of political leaders, the group issued a firm warning to key aspirants from Okehi, including Hon. A.K. Salihu and Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro, urging them not to step down under pressure.
“The era where one individual determines the political destiny of an entire senatorial district is over,” the group declared, stressing that the Kogi Central Senate seat “is neither a family inheritance nor a reward for past political power.”
CALL FOR ROTATION AND BALANCE
The stakeholders argued that Okene Local Government Area has dominated political power in the district for decades, calling the situation unjust and unsustainable.
“Equity demands balance. Justice demands rotation. Democracy demands choice,” the group stated, noting that Okehi and Adavi have consistently mobilized votes, protected party structures, and remained loyal despite what they described as years of political exclusion.
MESSAGE TO APC LEADERSHIP
The group also directed a strong message to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), warning against the imposition of candidates.
“APC is not a private enterprise owned by any individual or political network,” the statement read, adding that continued imposition could threaten peace in Ebiraland.
They called for:
Free and open aspirations
Transparent campaigns
The right of party members and voters to decide
ALLEGATIONS OF PAST TRAUMA
The group recalled what it described as eight years of fear and psychological trauma in Ebiraland, citing job losses among youths, controversial screenings, reports of missing persons, and killings.
“These wounds remain fresh,” the stakeholders said, warning against what they termed “a return to a painful past through political recycling.”
‘LET ODODO GOVERN’
Turning attention to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, the group said the goodwill that greeted his emergence is being undermined by alleged external control and internal interference.
“Governance cannot thrive where real authority lies outside the elected governor,” the group stated, insisting that Ododo must be allowed to lead freely without godfatherism.
FINAL STAND
The Okehi–Adavi Political Defenders concluded with a firm declaration that they would resist intimidation or division and vowed that Yahaya Bello would not appear on the senatorial ballot.
“The days of fear are over,” the group said. “The people are awake. Okehi is ready.”
