The 2023 election for the Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu House of Representatives seat ushered in a transformative era for our political landscape with the victory of Arc. Idris Salman. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, who ensured justice and fairness prevailed despite an uncertain electoral path.
Reflecting on his time with the PDP, Arc. Salman was widely recognized as the most qualified candidate during the primary elections. However, what stands out most is that our people knew who they wanted—a leader who had their best interests at heart. They stood firmly by him even when his path to the National Assembly seemed unclear.
His strategic transition from the PDP, where he had contested several times without securing the ticket, to the ADC—a party that became a household name within a short period—demonstrates a crucial fact: the people were eager to vote for *him*, regardless of his political platform. Honourable Arc. Idris Salman transformed a nearly unknown party into a winning one, marking the first time an opposition party has won an election in the Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency, despite the ruling party’s strong control across the state.
His performance thus far is a direct result of his determination to provide the quality representation our constituency has long desired.
While Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu has had notable representatives in the past, Arc. Salman distinguishes himself through the remarkable speed and focus of his actions. He has strategically targeted vital sectors with high potential for rapid development, successfully bringing our constituency’s needs to national attention.
A few of his significant legislative achievements within his first year in office include:
* *A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Horticulture, Iyara, Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, and for Related Matters (Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria Amendment Bill, 2024).*
* *The Federal University of Agriculture, Kabba, Kogi State (Establishment) Bill, 2024* – a reconsideration of an outstanding bill from the preceding Assembly.
Beyond these two major bills, which have the potential to turn our federal constituency into a hub of commerce and industry, he has raised several motions to direct national attention to our region’s specific needs:
* A Motion on the Rehabilitation of the Bad Portions of the Akunu-Ayere-Kabba Road and Rejigging the Security Architecture in the Area.
* A Motion on the Need for the Completion of the Construction Work on the Iluke-Aiyetoro-Kiri-Abugi-Eggan Road, Awarded to Setraco Nigeria Limited.
* A Motion on the Need to Repair the Failed Portions of the Kabba-Iyamoye-Omuo Ekiti Road.
The implementation of these motions will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of all constituents.
It is clear that we are witnessing an unprecedented pace of quality representation focused on measurable goals that benefit the entire Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu constituency, not just a select few.
For a first-term representative, Honourable Arc. Idris Salman has performed excellently. He continues to put his best foot forward by focusing on core developmental areas, alongside empowerment programs, support for SMEs, and responsiveness to the individual needs of his people.
Notably, he has proven that significant progress can be achieved in a short time, dispelling any notion that our people are not eager for change. The overwhelming satisfaction with his efforts and achievements confirms the constituency’s positive opinion of his work.
The choice we made in 2023 remains the best and most solid choice. That best choice will also be our 2027 choice, leading to a renewed mandate for *TIWA NTIWA 2027*.
By Hon. Kayode Awe