By Hon. Taufiq A. Isa, Former ALGON Chairman, Kogi State.
Hon. Taufiq A. Isa, former ALGON Chairman and APC stalwart in Kogi State, has called on all stakeholders across Okunland to unite in total support of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and the visionary leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello (CON). He emphasized that the political peace, unity, and development currently being enjoyed in the state must not be undermined by divisive ambitions or external manipulation.
Reacting to a recent publication titled “2027 Kogi Gubernatorial Race: Regional Leaders Call on Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke for Rescue Mission,” Hon. Isa described such moves as distractions capable of destabilizing Kogi’s political balance. While acknowledging the right of every citizen to political ambition, he cautioned that what Okunland needs most at this defining moment is loyalty, strategic cooperation, and unity of purpose.
He reminded Okun political actors of the sacrifices made by genuine progressives to establish and strengthen the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State. “Those of us who laboured and sacrificed to build and sustain the APC understand the heavy cost of disunity. We must not allow those who neither shared in our struggles nor contributed to our progress to now sow seeds of discord among us,” he said.
According to Isa, Okun’s political strength has always been rooted in collaboration and loyalty, not opportunism or short-term personal ambitions. He urged all stakeholders to resist external influences that could divide the people, stressing that unity remains the cornerstone of Okun’s future relevance in Kogi politics.
Hon. Isa lauded Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his people-oriented governance and commitment to inclusive development, describing his leadership as a continuation of the solid foundation laid by former Governor Yahaya Bello.
He recalled his own years of service in various capacities as a Councilor, Executive Chairman of Ijumu Local Government, and Chairman of ALGON Kogi State under different administrations, noting that his experience affords him a clear understanding of the progress being made under the current government.
“Governor Ododo is building enduring legacies and leaving permanent footprints across all sectors of governance,” Isa declared. “His administration reflects continuity with innovation, consolidating on the achievements of Alhaji Yahaya Bello while opening new frontiers of development and peace.”
He drew a parallel between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda at the national level and Governor Ododo’s transformation agenda in Kogi, saying Ododo is effectively replicating the president’s model of inclusive leadership, social stability, and economic progress.
Isa emphasized that the trans-ethnic peace and harmony currently enjoyed in the state are clear evidence of Ododo’s unifying leadership style. He urged all elected and appointed officials at the national, state, and local government levels to rally behind the governor to sustain these gains.
“We must resist any attempt by individuals or groups to derail the foundation laid by this administration,” he warned. “There is no better or more responsive leader for Kogi State at this time than Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.”
He further noted that even those who once opposed Ododo’s emergence are now beneficiaries of his inclusive governance, describing this as proof of the governor’s magnanimity and commitment to the collective good.
“Ododo embodies continuity, peace, and prosperity values essential to safeguarding Kogi’s political stability and future development,” Isa affirmed.
Hon. Isa cautioned against double standards by certain political actors who publicly praise Ododo while privately promoting divisive agendas. He described such conduct as hypocrisy that weakens Okun unity and undermines the collective strength of the people.
He appealed directly to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to be misled by false narratives suggesting disunity in Kogi, reaffirming that the state remains united and committed to both the Renewed Hope Agenda and the Ododo administration.
He also highlighted the strategic alliance between the Okun and Ebira people, describing it as a model of mutual respect and political cooperation that has ensured stability in the state. Isa expressed confidence that, through this partnership, Okunland will naturally produce the next governor after Ododo’s tenure in 2031.
“Our alliance with Kogi’s political centre is our assurance Okun’s time will come in 2031 through unity, not division,” he stated.
While acknowledging Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke as a respected son of Okunland with an admirable national profile, Isa urged him not to allow himself to become a tool for opposition manipulation or divisive politics. He warned that some political elements from the Igala extraction are attempting to exploit Okun’s internal differences to destabilize the state and return it to an era of sectional dominance a scheme that must be firmly resisted.
He called on all Okun leaders to close ranks with Governor Ododo and the APC leadership to build a more united and prosperous Kogi State. “Okun cannot afford to be used again as an instrument of disunity or political setback,” he cautioned.
Hon. Isa reaffirmed that Kogi State has moved beyond ethnic politics, bitterness, and division. Under the structure built by Alhaji Yahaya Bello and now strengthened by Governor Ododo, the state is witnessing unprecedented peace, inclusiveness, and development.
He concluded with a call for unity, loyalty, and political maturity among Okun people, stressing that today’s loyalty guarantees tomorrow’s leadership.
“The future belongs to those who stand firm with the current administration and work towards collective progress. Okun must speak with one voice — a voice of gratitude, loyalty, and political maturity. Together with our brothers from Ebira and other parts of the state, we will continue to support this administration and secure Okun’s rightful place in Kogi’s future,” he said.
Signed:
Ndako Bola Mohammed
SA MEDIA