The recently conducted Kogi governorship election has resulted in a historic win for the ruling party, the APC, marking a monumental continuity for the next four and eight for the party to continue to hold on to power for the next four (4) or eight (8) after completion of eight years of the outgoing incumbent of the APC in office.
The election, which saw high voters turnout and came to a conclusion with the announcement of the official results that produced Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as the dully election Executive Governor of the state.
The victory is significant for the incumbent governor Yahaya Bello and the party, as it signifies and solidified the party as a strong and dominant political party in the political landscape of the state.
Tension was all over the state and the political atmosphere of the Confluence State was largely heated up to the extent that residents of the state were living under the fear of imminent political crisis necessitated by comments and activities of some political gladiators, particularly the opposition parties.
As the duos already drawn battle lines, as electioneering campaign was ongoing, fortunately enough, the people of the state have kept their faith in their chest on would-be preferred candidate who may be a rallying point in realizing their socio-political and economic dreams in the next four years and beyond. The people seemed to have discovered this desired quality in one of the contending candidates for the governorship election in the state, and no other person but was Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, of the APC; they have collectively resolved to entrust their mandate to the APC candidate, Usman Ododo.
Interestingly, the ruling party, the All Progressive Party, APC, was clearly on ego trip, because it would be a political disaster for
the ruling party and the incumbent governor to lose the election to the opposition parties in the state, as the rivalry parties, would no doubt want to rubbish the outgoing governor and all the legacy he is leaving behind, hence the outgoing governor, the political strategist and bulldozer, had no choice than to choose and anoint one of his trusted and tested aides to take over the leadership mantle from him, that would continue the good work he had initiated in the state and on the popularity he had build and enjoyed with the people of the state, to further prove also that he remains unshaken political metaphors, the “White Lion” of Kogi politics.
Surprisingly, most of the contending candidates, during the electioneering campaign session, did not clearly articulate any policy-issue that would benefit the people of Kogi state; they inflamed ethnic and clannish expansion in their electioneering campaign messsges in the state; except Ahmed Ododo who in his wisdom promised to maintain and steghtening the existing unity and peaceful co-existence of the people of the state and provide more dividends of democracy, provide good and inclusive governance, if elected.
Electioneering campaign-base issues were what matter to the people of Kogi state, not the ambition of a few disgruntled politicians with bloated egos. What we were hearing from the few is a curios appeal of ethnic sentiments like “we are the majority, so it’s our birthright; power should return to us”. Sentiments that do not have a place anymore in the emerging Kogi state politics or stuff-like. The results have affirmed the majority’s trust and confidence in the incoming administration under His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to navigate and consolidate on the credible achievement of his predecessor, his political mentor, and the complex challenges facing the Confluence state.
The gubernatorial campaign of the party, APC, was centred around key policies, promises and a vision for the future, resonate with voters across different demographics. Their ability to connect with the electorates, address their concerns and other viable solutions played a crucial role in securing this monumental win for the party.
This victory also highlighs the importance of continuous efforts to address important societal issues and work towards a better future for all citizens of the State. The new governor’s mandate should reflect the public desire for stability and progress as well as their faith in the current leadership to steer the state through challenging times.
While the electoral process was designed to be fair and democratic, it is inevitable that there will be varying opinions and reactions to the outcome. It is crucial to all stakeholders to respect the collective decision made by the electorates and to foster the desired unity and collaboration in moving the state forward.
As the new elected governor of the state prepares for his new enormous assignment, there will be undoubtedly be a high expectations and challenges ahead. The responsibility to fulfill the electioneering campaign promises and the pressing needs of the state rest firmly on his shoulder.
With this historic victory, the incoming governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has the opportunity to continue building upon the credible achievement of his predecessor, and to shape the future of the state, in accordance with their vision. The coming years of his first term in office will no doubt be crucial in determining the long-term impact of this election and the legacy left by the outgoing administration.
As the state celebrates this historic win, it is imperative to remember the importance of democracy and the power vested in the hands of the people, that the governorship election, no doubt, served as a reminder of the collective voice each citizen possessed and the ability to shape the course of their state’s future, therefore, the success of any government is vested in the moral and spiritual support of the citizenry.
Your Excellency, on behalf of the good people of Ebiraland, Kogi State in general, we congratulate and rejoice with you on your landslide victory in the just concluded hot contest of governorship election in the state, while we also have faith that God Almighty will grant you the wisdom, capacity and cerebral strength to surpass the ultra-high expectations of the people of Kogi state, Ameen.
“The political and leadership of Kogi state, by the outcome of the recently concluded governorship election, the scenario is gradually shifting base from permanent monopoly of power on one region to near equal long agitated power shift or rotation of the other two regions (Ebiras and Okuns) is an achievement project”.
Idris Itopa, is a media professional, write from Abuja.