By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
A political pressure group, Kogi Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF), has faulted interpretations trailing the recent rebuttal issued by Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke over an alleged one-term agreement, insisting that those claiming the lawmaker ruled himself out of the governorship race are deceiving themselves.
Speaking through its chairman, Hon. Omale Dauda, the forum said Faleke’s statement was deliberately being twisted by some political actors to suit personal agendas.
“Nowhere in Hon. Faleke’s rebuttal did he say he will not contest the Kogi State governorship election. Those saying otherwise are deceiving themselves,” Dauda said.
Faleke had earlier dismissed a report by an online medium, TrackNews, which alleged that the Presidency directed former Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Usman Ododo to honour a purported one-term agreement in Kogi State, in which Faleke was allegedly involved.
In his rebuttal, the lawmaker categorically denied any knowledge or involvement in such an arrangement, describing the report as false, misleading, and entirely fabricated.
He maintained that he was never part of any discussion or agreement relating to a one-term deal in the state.
According to the forum, Faleke’s clarification was strictly meant to debunk the alleged agreement and should not be misconstrued as a statement on his future political ambition.
Dauda also called on agitators of power shift in Kogi State to remain steadfast and sustain their campaign, describing the struggle for equity, fairness, and inclusiveness as legitimate and necessary.
“The agitation for power shift is just and should continue. It is about fairness and balanced development in Kogi State,” he said.
The forum chairman further declared that Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke remains the forum’s preferred choice for the governorship, citing his experience, competence, and national exposure.
“Faleke remains our choice for governor. His track record, capacity, and courage speak for him,” Dauda added.
The forum urged political stakeholders and the public to avoid misinformation and misinterpretation capable of overheating the political atmosphere in the state.
Rt. Hon. Faleke represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and currently serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Finance.
