As the heat of political campaigns gathering momentum, political analysts, leaders and stakeholders in Kogi East have urged various political parties and candidates to give serious considerations for the emergence of a consensus Senatorial candidate for 2027 Kogi East Senatorial District election.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, in Abuja, Mr I. D. Ijele , a veteran journalist, urged all Igala/Bassa people in Kogi East to support the emergence of a single consensus candidate for Kogi East in the interest of peace, unity and progress of the area.
According to Mr Ijele, the political experiences involving Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Sunday Karimi provide important examples for discussions about political alignment and collective representation in Kogi State. He believes strongly that looking towards 2027, Kogi East must have an urgent and honest conversation about the possibility of a consensus arrangement for the 2027 Senatorial District election.
He emphasized that the idea of adopting a concession candidate is not an attempt to undermine the credibility or ambition of other aspirants. It is about recognizing that, beyond individual political ambitions, there is a greater collective interest that deserves consideration.
In his words, “we demonstrated something similar in 2023 when our own strong man, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, emerged as our concession candidate, providing a rallying point for a collective political effort. I was initially on the Labour Party with Okeme, Akpabana of the Accord party was on the hand dragging me to join his campaign but I opted for a consensus. That event, to most of us, was a great successful outing for the Igala/Bassa people in the history of our recent political struggling against a tyranic eight years administration of Yahaya Bello in Kogi State.”
“However, I am not suggesting that other candidates are unqualified or undeserving. The question is whether our political leaders and aspirants are willing to consider a common platform, examine the capacity, experience, resources, leadership records and public acceptance of those seeking the mandate, and agree on a path that promotes unity. I am equally aware that every aspirant has supporters, many of whom may never encourage their preferred candidates to step aside, regardless of the wider consequences of prolonged political divisions. But leadership requires looking beyond the applause of supporters.
To all aspirants: if you genuinely believe in the future of Igala and Bassa land, this is a moment to demonstrate that commitment through dialogue, sacrifice and political maturity.
No ambition should be bigger than the collective interest of our people. No personal political aspiration should make unity impossible.
Let us have an honest conversation, put the people first, and explore a peaceful consensus arrangement ahead of 2027.”
Mr Ijele categorically pointed out that HK is not just a friend, he’s a brother. But he also knows I am a realist and on this note I appeal to his conscience and the Love he has for Kogi East people to come to a round table with QS Aminu for the betterment of our land! Either you like it or not he has written his name on the marbles by his numerous intervention and projects to his credit.
Our strength must be in our unity, not in the number of candidates dividing our political space. Hence QS Aminu stand tall in this fight against the Bello’s dynasty who has been rejected by his own people but trying to Lord over Kogi East!”
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