Category: Daily Trust

On August 15, 2026, eligible voters across Osun State will head to the polls to elect a governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), 14 candidates-including the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is vying for a second term-have been cleared to contest the election. Notably absent from the list are the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), two major parties that participated in the state’s previous governorship election.

This election marks the first time in recent years that an incumbent governor in Osun will seek re-election on the platform of a different political party, following Governor Adeleke’s defection from the PDP to the Accord Party (A). His defection has fundamentally altered the political landscape, transforming what was expected to be a straight contest between the PDP and the All Progressives Congress (APC) into a far more competitive race.

A competitive race

An Osogbo-based political scientist, Samson Elesho, confirmed to Daily Trust via phone that the governorship election has evolved into a fiercely contested three-way battle.

The frontrunners are incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party (A), Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

A major factor shaping the competition, Elesho noted, is the geographical origin of the main contenders: Governor Adeleke, APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, all hail from the Osun West Senatorial District.

Specifically, Governor Adeleke is from Ede North Local Government Area (LGA), Oyebamiji hails from Irewole LGA, and Salaam comes from Ejigbo LGA.

Other candidates are Farinloye Olarenwaju of the Action Alliance (AA); Esan Olajide of the African Action Congress (AAC); Adeagbo Opawoye of the African Democratic Party (ADP); Adesina Adeyemi-Doro of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Saliu Oyelami of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

Also in the race are Ogunsakin Olalekan of the Young Progressives Party (YPP); and Adefemi Adesuyi of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP); Adewale Adebayo, Allied People Movement (APM); Clement Adesuyi of the Action Peoples Party (APP); Masilo Adeleke of Boot Party (BP); and Taofeek Adeleke of New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).

High voter registration, declining turnout

Election data from INEC illustrates two contrasting realities in Osun’s electoral landscape. While the number of registered voters has grown steadily across the last three governorship election cycles, voter turnout has consistently declined.

According to INEC statistics, registered voters grew from 1,411,373 in 2014 to 1,678,985 in 2018, reaching 1,952,387 in 2022.

Accredited voters saw modest gains from 764,582 in 2014 to 775,687 in 2018, and 827,218 in 2022 while Voter turnout percentage dropped steadily from 54.17% in 2014 to 46.20% in 2018, and fell further to 42.37% in 2022.

Despite the drop in percentage turnout, total votes cast followed a modest upward trend-rising from 750,021 in 2014 to 769,495 in 2018, and 823,124 in 2022.

Valid votes also increased from 717,321 to 804,450 over the same period.

Meanwhile, rejected votes dropped significantly from a peak of 47,874 in 2018 to 18,674 in 2022.

The collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) also expanded, rising from 1,213,026 in 2014 to 1,518,303 in 2022.

However, political analyst Jimoh Eruobami observed that higher PVC collection has not translated into active voting.

He cited insecurity, electoral distrust, and unfulfilled political promises as key drivers of voter apathy.

Adeleke’s defection reshapes the race

Since its creation in 1991, Osun has earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most fiercely contested governorship battlegrounds.

Governor Ademola Adeleke enters the 2026 governorship election with both the advantages and the uncertainties that come with incumbency.

His victory in the 2022 election was widely attributed to a combination of public dissatisfaction with the then APC administration and his own personal appeal.

In 2022, he contested on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and won 17 of Osun’s 30 local government areas, while the APC secured the remaining LGs.

Four years later, Adeleke is running under the Accord Party. His defection poses a critical test: Did voters elect the PDP platform in 2022, or did they vote specifically for Ademola Adeleke? If a significant portion of the electorate remains loyal to the PDP rather than the individual, his party switch could open doors for opponents.

Moreover, securing a simple majority is not enough. Under Nigerian constitutional law, the winning candidate must also secure at least 25% of the valid votes cast in at least two-thirds (20 out of 30) of the state’s local government areas.

INEC urges grassroots awareness, inclusive participation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up preparations for the August 15 poll with a renewed focus on voter education, inclusive participation, and addressing voter apathy.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun state, Mrs. Oluwatoyin O. Babalola, stated that elections should be viewed as an ongoing process rather than a one-day exercise, emphasizing the need for sustained civic engagement.

She cautioned that without consistent voter education, public participation in the electoral process could decline.

Also, she identified voter apathy as one of the key challenges facing the electoral system despite improvements in election administration.

According to her, factors such as misinformation, lack of confidence in the electoral process, political disinterest, and limited access to credible election information continue to discourage voter participation.

She noted that citizens should not only be informed about election dates but also understand the importance of exercising their voting rights.

To strengthen voter awareness, Babalola directed Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers to expand grassroots sensitization efforts by engaging residents in markets, motor parks, schools, and places of worship.

She also encouraged collaboration with traditional rulers and religious leaders to help spread voter education messages across communities. She urged election officials to ensure that women, young people, senior citizens, and Persons with Disabilities have equal opportunities to participate in the electoral process.

President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has held high-level talks with Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, on strengthening investment partnerships and deepening economic cooperation between Canada and Africa.

The discussions centred on expanding investment opportunities in Canada and exploring how the Dangote Group, alongside other African investors, can contribute to Canada’s economic growth while fostering stronger commercial ties between the two regions.

The meeting also reviewed Canada’s Africa Strategy, with both leaders underscoring the importance of promoting greater two-way trade and investment flows as a catalyst for sustainable economic development.

Dangote highlighted the enormous potential for collaboration between African and Canadian businesses, noting that stronger economic partnerships would unlock opportunities for industrialisation, innovation, job creation and long-term prosperity.

‘Strategic partnerships between Africa and Canada have immense potential to drive sustainable growth and create value for both regions. There is a strong case for increasing investment, fostering innovation, and building mutually beneficial commercial relationships,’ Dangote said.

He stressed that closer engagement between businesses in both regions would not only enhance investment but also support technology transfer, infrastructure development and value-added manufacturing across key sectors of the economy.

As part of his visit, Dangote, according to a statement, also met with Ahmed Hussen, Member of Parliament and Chair of Canada’s Foreign Affairs Committee.

Their discussions focused on advancing Canada-Africa economic relations through increased trade, investment and long-term strategic collaboration.

The assurance was given by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, during a meeting on Wednesday with the leadership of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Trade Side, led by its National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, according to a statement by the ministry.

Oyedele said the government had already begun addressing many of the issues raised by the council before receiving its formal communication.

According to the minister, the necessary approvals for the payment of the outstanding wage award are being finalised, expressing confidence that eligible public servants would begin receiving the payments before mid-August.

‘When government makes commitments, it delivers. We are not in the habit of making promises that cannot be fulfilled. Where there are outstanding issues, we will give realistic timelines and ensure they are implemented,’ he said.

The minister also disclosed that promotion arrears were receiving the required attention, with outstanding batches being processed in line with established procedures.

He directed relevant officials to immediately review documents submitted by the JPSNC, work with concerned Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and accelerate action on all outstanding labour-related issues requiring government intervention.

Oyedele acknowledged concerns expressed by organised labour over delays in implementing some agreements, assuring that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen trust through transparency, regular engagement and prompt action.

Earlier, JPSNC National President, Comrade Kabiru Ado Minjibir, urged the government to expedite the resolution of pending labour issues, including the outstanding wage award, promotion arrears, salary relativity concerns affecting health workers and other welfare matters.

He noted that the timely implementation of the outstanding commitments would further promote industrial harmony and reinforce workers’ confidence in the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Raymond Omachi, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with organised labour to ensure approved workers’ entitlements are processed and released without unnecessary delays.

He said the ministry would continue collaborating with relevant government institutions to fast-track the resolution of outstanding labour issues, stressing that constructive dialogue remains key to sustaining industrial harmony.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Mohammed Sanusi Danjuma, disclosed that Batch 7 promotion arrears, which had been inadvertently omitted during an earlier payment exercise, are now being processed alongside Batch 9.

He expressed optimism that beneficiaries would begin receiving the payments once processing is completed, adding that the government was also working to resolve issues relating to the Peculiar Allowance and other outstanding labour matters in collaboration with relevant MDAs.

Providing an update on the payment process, Director of Cash Management at the ministry, Christiana Osho, said reconciliation for the outstanding wage award had been completed and that the payment release was at its final stage.

She explained that once the funds are released, eligible public servants would begin receiving the outstanding wage award, while processing of promotion arrears would continue according to the approved schedule.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has given a house and N10 million to Malam Aliyu Muhammad, the widower of the late Islamic teacher who was killed by a mob in the state.

Malama Ummulkhairi Muhammad was lynched in June 2026 at Maraban Jos in Kaduna State after some youths and women allegedly accused her of child theft while she was on her way to attend an Islamic preaching session.

It was later confirmed that she was innocent and had not committed the offence alleged against her.

The incident sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over mob justice and the spread of unverified allegations.

Police arrested more than 80 suspects in connection with the killing. Some have since been arraigned before a competent court on charges bordering on culpable homicide.

Governor Sani had pledged to support the family during a condolence visit after the incident.

The widower expressed gratitude to the governor for fulfilling his promise to support the family.

The governor presented the house and N10 million to Aliyu as part of the support package promised to the bereaved family.

Speaking after receiving the assistance, Aliyu said the governor had restored hope to him and his children at a difficult time.

‘Governor Uba Sani gave me N10 million in cash. I was taken to see him and he told me, ‘God willing, your children will return to school.’ He also told me that if there is anything I need, I should always reach out to the people he assigned,’ he said.

‘I thank God, and may Allah reward him with goodness. Right now, I am very happy beyond words. He fulfilled the promise he made and has kept to his word.’

Aliyu also appreciated Nigerians for standing by his family after the tragic incident.

‘I also thank the public for their prayers, support and assistance,’ he said.

Reflecting on the loss of his wife, Aliyu said more than 40 days had passed since her death, adding that the family continued to remember her good deeds.

‘Every moment, I remember the good things she did. Whenever I remember her, I pray that Allah forgives her,’ he said.

According to him, the late teacher left behind four children, who are now being cared for by him with support from other family members.

‘My mother, my second wife and I are doing our best to take care of them,’ he said.

The python that escaped from the residence of a former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, in Kano last year has finally been recovered and handed over to the Kano Zoological Garden, bringing closure to months of anxiety in Daneji quarters and surrounding communities.

Residents of Daneji in Kano city had been living with unease since July 2025, when a python, along with a crocodile and a lion cub, was evacuated from Idris’ house after one of the reptiles reportedly escaped.

While the crocodile and lion cub were immediately relocated to the zoo, the python remained unaccounted for until last week, when it resurfaced in another house within Daneji.

The Managing Director of Kano Zoological Garden, Musayyib Kawu Ungogo, confirmed the development, saying the reptile was brought to the zoo on Tuesday after being evacuated from the house of the Ward Head of Daneji quarters.

He said, ‘This python was brought to us after it was evacuated from the house of the Ward Head of Daneji quarters, after it was reportedly found in one of the houses in his area.

‘We then demanded to take its custody in Kano Zoo, and it is now under Kano State Government ownership and will be kept here.

‘People can freely come here and see it as it is part of wild animals not commonly seen by people,’ he said.

Ungogo assured residents that the python would no longer pose a threat to the community.

He added that trained personnel had visited the house where it was first found to ensure it had not laid eggs that could later hatch and multiply in the area.

He appealed to residents to report sightings of wild animals rather than attempt to kill them, stressing that eliminating such species could lead to extinction and deprive students and researchers of valuable knowledge.

The incident traces back to July 2025, when residents of Daneji, Mandawari, Kabara, and Soron Dinki were thrown into panic after reports that a python had escaped from Idris’ residence.

The former Accountant General, who had obtained a license under Nigeria’s Wild Animal Law, voluntarily surrendered the animals to the zoo.

The law permits individuals to keep certain wild animals under license, provided they maintain proper habitats and renew permits annually.

However, endangered species must be kept in zoos for conservation. Zoo officials had explained at the time that Idris’ lion was still a cub and posed no immediate danger, but stressed that mature wild animals must be transferred to the zoo.

Police later confirmed that Idris was invited for questioning, while zoo authorities worked to reassure the public that the animals were safely evacuated.

The Profile and Bago Farm polo teams asserted their dominance at the just-concluded Minna Polo Tournament, claiming the prestigious General Hassan Cup and the Emir of Minna Cup, respectively.

In a sensational display of skill, Minna Bago Farm further cemented their supremacy by also capturing the Governor’s Cup.

Meanwhile, EL-Amin, playing under the colors of their second team, Profile, reaffirmed their elite status. They edged out the visiting Jos Malcomines 6-4 in a fiercely fought final to retain both the IBB Cup and the Abdulsalami Cup.

The Bida Warriors-featuring players from the EL-Amin International School polo team-announced themselves as Minna’s newest polo prodigies, securing a back-to-back triumph in the popular Aisha Babangida Cup.

Other notable victors at the weeklong polo festival, held at the prestigious IBB Polo Ground, included the Blue Team, who lifted the Niger State First Lady Cup. Additionally, the duo of Alhassan Aliyu and Mukhtar Hassan spearheaded their squad to victory in the Late Dawule Baba Memorial Cup.

Niger State Governor Umar Mohammed Bago, acting as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour at the grand finale, congratulated the competing teams for showcasing true sportsmanship throughout the event.

Minna Polo Club Chairman Mohammad Babangida also commended the visiting players for bringing colour and glamour to the tournament.

While congratulating the major prize winners, he encouraged the other teams that participated in the tournament to try harder and return stronger next year.

The demonstrations, held under the banner of the ‘Festival of the Oppressed,’ saw protesters in both cities calling on the government to take urgent action to address the challenges facing Nigerians.

In Abuja, the protest was led by human rights activist and convener of the RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore.

Dozens of demonstrators marched with placards and banners bearing inscriptions condemning xenophobic attacks in South Africa and criticising the Nigerian government over the country’s worsening security situation and rising cost of living.

The protesters urged the Federal Government to take decisive diplomatic steps to protect Nigerians living in South Africa while addressing the deepening economic crisis and persistent insecurity at home, which they said had pushed millions of citizens into hardship.

Addressing journalists during the protest, Sowore said the demonstration was meant to remind Nigerians of the need for what he described as an imminent revolution.

He said the movement would continue to demand accountability from the government and advocate reforms aimed at improving the welfare and security of Nigerians.

The protests were peaceful in Abuja, while a similar demonstration in Lagos was disrupted after security operatives dispersed protesters with tear gas following an attempt by suspected hoodlums to infiltrate the gathering.

Sowore said, ‘Today, August 5, we have come to remind the whole country that the revolution is necessary and imminent. And that nothing can stop that revolution. When the people are ready, barbed wire will not stop us. The police will even join, the army will join.

‘But we have a number of demands that we must reiterate here. And they include that Nigerian workers must be paid N500,000 per month as their minimum wage. We have also asked that they release Nnamdi Kanu from unjust and unlawful detention. That they discontinue all forms of trial, whether it’s cybercrime, treason trials against activists and Nigerians who are raising up their voice against bad governance in this country.

‘Most importantly, to announce that Tinubu’s tenure is over. Tinubu must go! We have our colleagues in Lagos, in Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and different places who are also taking action today. This is just the beginning of a series of actions that will be taken. And we urge you, wherever you may be, Nigerians, to join us.

‘To bring about a new era and a new order in this country. We are tired of hunger, starvation, corruption and incompetence. And we are ready and willing to liberate our country. Don’t forget that on our way here, they also hired some urchins to confront us. But when those ones saw superior firepower, they let go. And that’s how we got here. We are tired of foolish people managing our security agencies.’

Protesters teargassed in Lagos

In Lagos, protesters under the #TakeItBack Movement gathered in the Maryland area, where they sang solidarity songs and chanted slogans, including ‘Revolution’, before security operatives dispersed the crowd with tear gas.

The demonstration, which began peacefully, turned chaotic after individuals suspected to be hoodlums allegedly infiltrated the gathering and attacked protesters by throwing stones.

Some journalists covering the protest were also reportedly assaulted during the melee.

Police officers deployed to the scene fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd, sending protesters, journalists and bystanders fleeing in different directions.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Lagos State Coordinator of the #TakeItBack Movement, Adekunle Adeyemi Taofeek, alleged that armed men attacked protesters gathered at Maryland, the designated convergence point, while police officers maintained a heavy presence in the area.

According to him, the protest was scheduled to proceed from Maryland to Ojota but was disrupted before participants could begin the march.

Taofeek said he arrived at the venue late because of heavy traffic, but found police officers and men allegedly dressed in APC and NURTW-related clothing combing the streets in search of protesters.

He alleged that he was forced to remove a T-shirt bearing the inscription, ‘TINUBU MUST GO,’ after noticing the heavy presence of security operatives and individuals wearing ‘Renewed Hope’ apparel displaying President Bola Tinubu’s image.

He said he was accompanied by three other activists and that they deliberately avoided drawing attention to themselves as they moved through the area.

According to him, they temporarily took refuge in a shop where they bought drinks while suspected hoodlums monitored their movements.

Taofeek further claimed that they later met about 20 other protesters who had fled the protest ground to escape the alleged attack.

He said he advised them to immediately leave the area because the streets around Maryland had been flooded with individuals allegedly searching for protesters.

Also speaking, the Head of Legal Aid of the #TakeItBack Movement, Bolaji Oluwatosin, condemned the disruption of the protest by security operatives.

‘It is disheartening that Nigeria has degenerated to a state of lawlessness where the constitutionally empowered institution, the Nigeria Police, and the government, expected not only to secure the lives of Nigerian citizens but also to guarantee our continued existence, have decided to disrupt a peaceful demonstration by the Nigerian people led by the #TakeItBack Movement,’ he said.

Reacting to allegations that police harassed and intimidated protesters, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, denied the claims, insisting that officers were deployed to protect demonstrators and maintain law and order.

According to him, a combined team of Mobile Police officers and conventional policemen was deployed to secure the protest and prevent a breakdown of public order.

He said the protest proceeded peacefully until security operatives observed hoodlums attempting to exploit the gathering to rob unsuspecting residents and cause violence.

‘The protest started peacefully with policemen providing the protesters the much-needed protection.

‘At a stage, it was observed that hoodlums tried to hijack the process to unleash terror and rob unsuspecting members of the public of their belongings.

‘Those dispersed were the hoodlums who tried to hijack the entire process,’ Fatai said.

As of the time of filing this report, normalcy had returned to the area, although security personnel remained on the ground to prevent any further breakdown of law and order.

August 5 has since become an annual day of action for supporters of the #RevolutionNow movement to stage protests against bad governance and demand political and socio-economic reforms.

The movement was launched by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore on August 5, 2019.

In recent years, Nigerians have organised several protests over worsening economic hardship, which many attribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s twin policies of removing petrol subsidy and floating the naira.

Between August 1 and 10, 2024, thousands of Nigerians took part in nationwide protests under the hashtag #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, demanding action over the rising cost of living.

The protests turned violent in some states, with reports of deaths, injuries and widespread destruction of property.

In Kano State, 12 protesters were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries. The victims were alleged to have been shot by security personnel deployed to contain the demonstrations.

Amnesty International said peaceful protests over government policies had become ‘a matter of life and death in Nigeria’ and reported that at least 24 people were killed nationwide during the demonstrations, with Kano recording the highest number of fatalities. The organisation listed Jigawa, Katsina, Borno, Niger and Kaduna among the states where protesters were also killed.

Amnesty International further accused the authorities of attempting to suppress evidence of the killings and failing to hold security personnel accountable for the deaths.

The summit, organised by Land Republic Limited, is expected to bring together young people interested in building careers and earning income through the real estate sector.

In a statement on Thursday, the company said the event, themed ‘Rise and Sell,’ forms part of its efforts to expose young Nigerians to opportunities in the property industry.

According to Land Republic, the initiative has, over the past five years, focused on helping young people develop careers in real estate, particularly through property sales and marketing.

The Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Land Republic, Victor Adegbile, said the decision to hold the summit in Ibadan was aimed at expanding opportunities for young people in the South-West.

‘Ibadan and the South-West have always understood enterprise – it is in our blood,’ Adegbile said.

‘For five years, we have opened doors for young people who couldn’t find work and watched them build real careers through real estate. Bringing this summit home to Ibadan is our way of investing in the young people of this land.’

The company said participants at the one-day event would receive training in property sales, ethical client management and the use of digital tools in real estate marketing.

It added that participants would also have the opportunity to join its realtor network operating across Lagos, Ibadan and Ogun State.

Land Republic further said it serves diaspora investors in the United Kingdom and the United States and operates technology platforms, including Land Charting and Brick Stack.

The company described the summit as part of its broader initiative to promote youth participation and economic opportunities in the real estate sector in Ibadan.

Renowned Nigerian journalist, Fegiro Johnson, has reacted to the ongoing wave of spiritual revival reportedly sweeping across several churches in Lagos under the umbrella of the Newbreed Pastors and Leaders (NPL), following a programme led by Senior Pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, Pastor Bolaji Idowu.

The programme, which has attracted thousands of worshippers and Christian faithful from different parts of the country, has been marked by intense worship, prayers, testimonies, and reports of renewed spiritual commitment among participants.

Johnson described the gathering as a significant moment for the Christian community, noting that the atmosphere of worship and prayer has continued to inspire conversations both within and outside religious circles.

According to him, the growing participation of young people and church leaders reflects a renewed hunger for spiritual awakening and unity among believers.

The event has generated widespread attention across social media platforms, where videos and photographs showing packed auditoriums, passionate worship sessions, and testimonies have continued to trend.

Religious observers say the revival programme has become one of the most talked-about Christian gatherings in Lagos in recent weeks, with many participants describing it as a life-changing experience.

Pastor Bolaji Idowu, known for his teachings on faith, leadership, and personal transformation, has consistently emphasized the need for believers to pursue a deeper relationship with God and become positive influences in society.

As discussions surrounding the revival continue, many Nigerians have expressed hope that the renewed spiritual awakening would translate into positive moral values, national unity, and societal transformation.

The programme is expected to continue with additional worship sessions, prayers, and teachings aimed at strengthening the faith of participants and encouraging spiritual growth across the Christian community.

The stakeholders also called for a negotiated and peaceful framework for power rotation among the three senatorial districts of Kogi State.

The resolutions were contained in a communiqué issued after the Kogi East APC Strategic Leadership Conference held in Abuja on Monday under the chairmanship of Major-Gen. Patrick Ademu Akpa (rtd).

The group said its immediate priority was to mobilise voters across the nine local government areas of Kogi East for Tinubu, Ododo and other APC candidates in the 2027 general elections.

It described Kogi East as the largest voting bloc in the state and said the district delivered the highest share of votes for Tinubu among Kogi State’s three senatorial districts during the 2023 presidential election.

The stakeholders said they were prepared to increase their electoral contribution in 2027, citing appointments given to indigenes of Kogi East by the Tinubu administration.

They, however, said political support should go alongside discussions with stakeholders from Kogi Central and Kogi West on a transparent and peaceful arrangement for the rotation of political power in the state.

‘We call for an immediate shift toward building consensus, renegotiating power transfer and rotation, and establishing an inclusive, development-driven agenda that guarantees equitable access to the instruments of power,’ the communiqué said.

‘Kogi East will never be an appendage of any other nationality or political bloc. We stand as a major bloc… prepared to seize all opportunities this time around for our people.’

The stakeholders also raised concerns over what they described as a 20-year infrastructural deficit in Kogi East, saying political engagement with both the state and federal governments should result in concrete development projects across the district.

They said residents of the area had suffered from infrastructural neglect and internal leadership challenges, particularly in the years following the death of former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.

The group said it would seek accelerated intervention in road infrastructure and upgrades of public facilities across the nine local government areas of the senatorial district.

It also cited some projects associated with the administration of the late Audu, including the establishment of the state’s first university in Anyigba, the Obajana Cement Project in Kogi West and road infrastructure.

According to the communiqué, the stakeholders resolved to engage Kogi Central and Kogi West ‘on equitable terms’ towards establishing a predictable and transparent framework for future power shifts.

They also pledged to pursue reconciliation within Kogi East and address internal political divisions that followed the 2015 elections.

The stakeholders further called for the institutionalisation of the non-partisan Prince Abubakar Audu Leadership Foundation and urged the Federal Government to confer a national honour on the late former governor.

The communiqué was signed by 26 Kogi East leaders, including Major-Gen. Patrick Ademu Akpa (rtd), Amb. Isaac A. Onu, Rt. Hon. Ismaila Inna Hussani, Rt. Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Egwu, Hajia Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, AIG Abutu Iyaro (rtd), Dr. Sani Teidi, Hon. Dan Okolo, Abdulahi Haruna (SAN), Dr. Johnson Musa, Prof. Aliyu Idris, Dr. Tom Diche, Hajia Mariam Yakubu, Hajia Hassanat Abubakar and Hon. Abubakar Sadiq Ainoko.