Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Matthew Yomi Kolawole, has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo will emerge victorious in the 2027 elections if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts free, fair and credible polls.
Kolawole made the statement while commending INEC for its conduct of recent electoral activities, stressing that credible elections would give voters the opportunity to freely choose their preferred candidates.
According the way and manner INEC conducted Ekiti and Osun states Governorship election was an indication that the INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN is ready to conduct free, fair and credible 2027 general elections.
He said the performance of any government should be judged by its achievements and impact on the lives of citizens, rather than political sentiments.
According to him, Tinubu’s administration has embarked on reforms and development initiatives which, if sustained, could strengthen the country’s economy and improve the welfare of Nigerians.
The former Speaker also expressed confidence in Governor Ododo’s chances in the 2027 election, citing what he described as the administration’s commitment to infrastructure, security, education and other sectors of the state economy.
His words, “Since assuming office in January 2024, the Ododo administration has embarked on several projects and programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of residents and strengthening the state’s economic base.
“One of the major areas of focus has been infrastructure development, with the government undertaking the construction and rehabilitation of roads across various communities.
“The administration has also commenced work on the proposed Kogi International Airport, a project expected to improve transportation, attract investment and strengthen economic activities in the state.
“In the education sector, the government has continued to support students through bursaries, scholarships and payment of examination fees, while several schools have benefited from renovation and rehabilitation projects.
“The administration has also supported the development of tertiary institutions in the state, including efforts toward the accreditation and revival of the MBBS programme at Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba.
“Healthcare delivery has equally received attention, with investments in primary healthcare infrastructure and efforts to improve access to medical services, particularly in rural communities. The government has also introduced measures aimed at attracting and retaining medical personnel in the state.
“Security remains another major priority of the administration. Governor Ododo has strengthened collaboration among the police, military, vigilante groups, hunters and other security agencies in the fight against criminal elements.
“The administration has also supported community-based security initiatives and other measures designed to improve surveillance and protect lives and property across the state.
“In agriculture, the government has placed emphasis on food security, agricultural production and agribusiness as part of its strategy to reduce unemployment, empower youths and increase the state’s economic productivity.
“The administration has equally highlighted workers’ welfare, with efforts directed at ensuring regular payment of salaries and addressing issues relating to workers’ promotions and entitlements.
“The government has further unveiled youth and women empowerment programmes, including skills acquisition and entrepreneurship initiatives designed to provide opportunities for young people and vulnerable groups.
“On revenue generation, the administration has pursued reforms aimed at improving internally generated revenue, blocking leakages and strengthening the state’s financial management system.
“The 2026 budget also makes provisions for major housing and electrification projects, including the proposed construction of 1,050 housing units under the “Ododo Villa” initiative across the three senatorial districts.
He said with these interventions, the Ododo administration has maintained that its development agenda is anchored on security, infrastructure, human capital development, economic growth and improved welfare for the people of Kogi State.
The governor has repeatedly called for continued support and cooperation from residents, stressing that the administration remains committed to delivering projects and programmes that will have direct impact on the people.
Kolawole urged political parties and their supporters to play by the rules and allow INEC to conduct the elections without interference.
He called on Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process, saying that a peaceful and transparent election remained essential to strengthening democracy in the country.
He added that the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend largely on the independence of electoral institutions, the conduct of political actors and the willingness of all stakeholders to accept the outcome of a genuinely free and fair contest as he congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo in advance.
