Stakeholders from Magongo Community in Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area of Kogi State have called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to uphold the long-standing rotational political arrangement between Ogori and Magongo communities in the state constituency.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the National President of the Magongo Development Association, Prince Jordan Akpata and National Secretary J.O-Magongo, expressed concern over reports suggesting support for the re-election of the current lawmaker representing the constituency in the State House of Assembly, Bode Ogunmola.
The stakeholders noted that the rotational system, which has been in place for decades, has ensured fairness, equity, and peaceful coexistence between the two communities. They stressed that the arrangement covers both elective and appointive positions at local and state levels and has been respected by successive administrations.
According to them, the system has produced leaders from both communities, including former council chairmen and lawmakers such as Godwin Oritogun, Albert Soje, Godwin Osiyi, Moses Akande, and the incumbent Ogunmola, reflecting a balanced sharing of political opportunities.
The group maintained that, based on the existing arrangement, it is now the turn of Magongo Community to produce the next representative in the State House of Assembly.
“Our position is anchored on justice, fairness, and respect for established agreements that have guided political relations in our constituency,” the stakeholders said.
They clarified that their demand was not a critique of the performance of the current lawmaker but a call for adherence to a system that has sustained unity and prevented marginalisation.
The stakeholders further stated that Magongo boasts competent individuals capable of effective representation and contributing to legislative development in the state.
They appealed to the governor to respect the zoning arrangement, support the emergence of a Magongo candidate, and encourage dialogue among stakeholders to avoid political tension.
The statement emphasized that preserving the tradition of power rotation would strengthen unity, ensure inclusion, and maintain political stability in the constituency.
