By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Concerned APC Stakeholders in Kogi West have questioned what they described as the premature campaign activities of the self-acclaimed Kogi West APC Leaders Forum, asking why the group has allegedly begun mobilising support for the re-election of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the group, Hon. Bamidele David, the stakeholders expressed concern over the forum’s recent visits to traditional rulers across Kogi State, where members have reportedly been canvassing support for Governor Ododo’s second-term bid.
The group asked whether the 2027 governorship election was already around the corner, noting that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not released any timetable for campaigns.
It argued that political leaders should concentrate on governance and the implementation of policies that will improve the lives of Kogi citizens instead of embarking on early political mobilisation.
According to the statement, while traditional rulers remain highly respected custodians of culture, peace, and unity, they should not be unnecessarily drawn into partisan political activities capable of creating avoidable political tension in the state.
Hon. Bamidele David maintained that the Kogi West APC Leaders Forum does not speak for all APC members and stakeholders in the senatorial district, stressing that its recent pronouncements and engagements with royal fathers should not be interpreted as the collective position of APC members in Kogi West.
He said it was surprising that the forum had chosen to make Governor Ododo’s re-election its primary focus at a time when many communities across the state are looking forward to more government attention in critical sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, youth empowerment, and job creation.
The chairman urged members of the APC to support Governor Ododo in fulfilling his campaign promises instead of creating the impression that the next election has already begun.
“The people elected this administration to govern and deliver meaningful development. This is the time to consolidate on governance, not to embark on political campaigns that may distract the government from its responsibilities,” the statement said.
The group further cautioned against any attempt to present the position of a few individuals as the consensus of Kogi West, insisting that major political decisions affecting the district should emerge through broad consultation with party leaders, elected officials, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders.
The stakeholders also warned that premature political campaigns could generate unnecessary divisions within the APC and distract the party from strengthening its internal cohesion ahead of future electoral contests.
While reaffirming their support for the APC-led administration in Kogi State, the Concerned APC Stakeholders in Kogi West called on political leaders across the three senatorial districts to promote unity, fairness, and mutual respect, rather than engage in activities capable of overheating the political atmosphere.
They urged all party members to remain focused on good governance, sustainable development, and the overall interest of Kogi State, emphasizing that discussions about the 2027 governorship election should be left until the appropriate time as provided by law.
