By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The member representing Ogori/Magongo State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Prince Bode Ogunmola, has withdrawn as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the constituency ahead of the forthcoming state assembly election.
Ogunmola announced his withdrawal in a letter dated June 4, 2026, addressed to the APC State Chairman through the party leadership in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area.
In the letter, the lawmaker described his decision as voluntary, saying it followed extensive consultations with his family and elders of his community.
“This decision was not taken lightly. After deep reflection, consultations with my family, and elders of my community, I have concluded that withdrawing as the candidate at this time is in the best interest of the party and my constituency,” he stated.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to the APC and pledged to continue working for the party’s success in future elections.
The withdrawal follows weeks of protests and agitation by groups and stakeholders from the Magongo community, who insisted that it was their turn to produce the next representative of the constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly.
The protesters argued that the principle of equity and political balance required that the seat be ceded to Magongo since Ogunmola, the current occupant of the position, is from Ogori.
They maintained that allowing him to return for another term would deny Magongo the opportunity to produce the next lawmaker.
Some groups also accused Ogunmola of dominating political opportunities within the constituency.
They cited his previous service as a commissioner before becoming a member of the State House of Assembly and noted that his wife, Hon. Yemisi Ogunmola, also served as a commissioner in a previous Kogi State administration.
According to the groups, political appointments and elective offices should be fairly distributed among the various communities that make up the constituency to ensure inclusiveness and equity.
Sources within the APC said the growing opposition to Ogunmola’s candidacy generated concerns about the party’s chances in the constituency if the grievances were not addressed.
The sources further claimed that pressure from stakeholders and interventions by party leaders contributed to his decision to withdraw from the race.
However, neither Ogunmola nor the APC officially linked his resignation to the protests.
Political observers say the development is expected to reshape the contest for the constituency seat and could pave the way for the emergence of a candidate from the Magongo axis, in line with the demands of many stakeholders in the area.
The APC is yet to announce a replacement candidate for the Ogori/Magongo State Constituency election.
