It’s no longer news that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has resolved to back performing lawmakers of the State House of Assembly for second term.
Political pundits, say it is no doubt, a deft political move that will strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Observers believed that the move is driven by Governor Ododo’s resolve to keep the state intact for President Bola Tinubu ahead of the elections in 2027.
Insiders say that the Governor is more interested in the victory of the President than his own personal ambition.
An insider who does not want to be named said, “the Governor is more interested that the party goes into the election as a united front and he wants those who have record of delivering democracy dividends to drive the process of the party’s victory.”
As part of his resolve to present a united front, the Governor, it was learnt, met with stakeholders from where there were opposing forces and appealed to them to support those that have the party’s blessing, telling them that, there are other opportunities in the government and party, opened to them.
The Governor, it was also learnt, apologised for not consulting them before arriving at the decision, assuring that no community in the state will be shortchanged by his administration.
He was quoted to have reminded stakeholders that his administration is anchored on the principles of equity, justice and fairness, reassuring that it will not deviate from that but noted that party loyalty and interest should be allowed to supercede all other considerations.
“If it’s not your turn today, tomorrow can be your turn. There is no reason whatsoever to destroy the bridge that will take us to our safe destinations.
“If out of desperation or sentiment you destroy the bridge today, there is no assurance that any of us will arrive at our envisioned destination”, he was quoted to have admonished.
The Governor, the inside source, said, appealed for the understanding of the stakeholders and urged them to go back and educate their people of the essence of his actions.
The source further said that he assured that all issues and grievances will be addressed through a legal framework that will ensure that everyone and every community is carried along in the scheme of things.
