Kogi West Leaders Endorse Ododo for 2027, Demand Stronger Security Architecture while announcing establishment of Zonal Security Joint Task Force to curb banditry

By Femi Andrew 

Kogi West political, traditional and community leaders have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in 2027 after a major leadership and security summit held on Monday in Kabba, where stakeholders also demanded a stronger security framework across the district.

The meeting drew a broad spectrum of participants, including traditional rulers, academics, political figures, youth leaders and women’s groups. Leading the array of traditional rulers in the district to the event was the revered Oba (Dr) Solomon Dele Owoniyi, the Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Area traditional council covering the entire five local government of Okunland, including Ówóró people of Lokoja LGA, the Guest Speaker, emeritus Professor Olu Obafemi examined the history and ongoing dynamics of power and leadership struggles in the state, with emphasis on the political trajectory of Kogi West in a topic titled “Kogi West, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

In a communique issued at the end of the summit, participants emphasised that unity, cooperation and strategic engagement are central to the district’s long-term political aspirations. “If politics is truly about who gets what, how, and when, then unity of purpose must guide Kogi West,” the communique stated. The leaders also honoured the contributions of Kogi’s founding political figures, including Chief Sunday Awoniyi, Senator Tunde Ogbeha and Senator Ahmadu Ali, describing them as pillars who shaped the state’s development.

Governor Ododo’s administration received strong commendation for what participants described as significant progress in infrastructure and governance across all senatorial districts. The communique noted that his developmental strides had “changed the physical landscape of Kogi State and brought succour to the citizenry.” They also praised his support for enhancing security, urging further assistance to intelligence networks to curb emerging threats. The summit concluded that Ododo “deserves continuity in office come 2027” and formally endorsed him for re-election.

Looking ahead, the leaders insisted that Kogi West must produce the governor in 2031 after Ododo’s potential second term. They said the district had “waited patiently for 36 years to occupy the Lugard House” and should now be “rewarded unconditionally” with the state’s leadership after the second term of the incumbent Governor in 2031.

Participants condemned recent divisive political comments circulating in the state, describing them as self-serving and harmful to peaceful coexistence. They urged political actors to promote unity rather than inflame tensions.

Kogi West Leaders Endorse Ododo for 2027, Demand Stronger Security Architecture

To implement its resolutions, the summit announced the establishment of a seven-member Council of Kogi West Traditional Rulers to liaise with stakeholders across other districts, a seven-member Eminent Persons Group to lead political consultations, and a Joint Security Task Force across the seven LGAs to enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordinated vigilance to be coordinated by the seven(7) local government Chairmen in Kogi West.

The summit ended with appreciation for organisers and attendees, with leaders noting that the meeting marked an important milestone in Kogi West’s efforts toward unity, improved security and future political advancement.

Politicians are sponsoring faceless CSO groups to blackmail Kogi Gov’t on alleged LGAs allocation diversion…. Civil Society Coalition

Politicians are sponsoring faceless CSO groups to blackmail Kogi Gov’t on alleged LGAs allocation diversion…. Civil Society Coalition 

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CCSO) has dismissed recent allegations that Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Kogi State were not receiving their federal allocations.

Speaking at a press briefing, Dr. Wisdom Ohalete, Convener of CCSO, said the claims were being circulated by “faceless groups who clearly do not mean well for Kogi and are out to blackmail the government of the state for cheap political gains.”

He added that the coalition conducted an independent investigation covering all 21 LGAs in the state. 

Their review included meetings with the Auditor General for Local Governments, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, council officials, and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees.

“Our investigation was thorough, independent, and fact-driven,” Dr. Ohalete said. 

He noted that the LGAs “have been receiving their allocations directly from the Federal Government. The records further show that the LGAs in the state enjoy full autonomy, in line with constitutional provisions and federal guidelines. There is zero interference by state government.”

CCSO also highlighted development projects across the state, including the construction of “at least 80 new Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) … in addition to ongoing renovation and upgrading of existing health facilities,” as well as youth training programs and women and youth empowerment initiatives.

Dr. Ohalete warned that the allegations were part of a planned smear campaign, saying, “This propaganda is part of a larger plan to blackmail the state government by sponsoring frivolous petitions to anti-corruption agencies, all geared towards giving Kogi State a bad name.”

The coalition urged the public and media to “disregard the false claims and continue to support efforts aimed at strengthening governance at all levels.”

TROOPS OF 12 BRIGADE FOIL BANDITS AMBUSH, RESCUE KIDNAPPED VICTIM IN KOGI STATE

As part of ongoing intensified efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across Kogi State, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army have successfully foiled an ambush by armed bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during a coordinated operation around Oshokoshoko and Obajana in Lokoja Local Government Area.

In the early hours of 25 November 2025, following credible information on the movement of bandits crossing the Oshokoshoko Obajana corridor with abducted persons, troops deployed at the Kabba Patrol Base working jointly with Other Hybrid Forces conducted a special ambush operation to intercept the criminals.

The troops laid in wait and made contact with the armed criminals who were moving with an unconfirmed number of fighters. The bandits opened fire but were met with superior firepower from the troops, forcing them to withdraw in disorder. During the encounter, one bandit was neutralized while others fled with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

The operation further led to the recovery of one AK 47 rifle and the rescue of one kidnapped victim. The victim, who was found weak and distressed, was immediately evacuated to a medical facility for further medical attention. Further exploitation and pursuit operations are ongoing to track fleeing members of the criminal group.

The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in sustaining pressure on criminal groups and ensuring that communities across Kogi State are safe and secure. Residents are encouraged to maintain trust in the ongoing operations and to support security agencies with useful information that can enhance prompt response and strengthen the collective fight against crime.

Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Lawmaker calls for unity, peace and security at Ijumu Day

Attendees at the Ijumu Day cultural celebration praised Salman for his insightful remarks, with many agreeing that a united front is crucial in the fight against insecurity.

In his closing remarks, Salman urged the people of Ijumu to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. He also called on the government to provide adequate resources and support to security agencies to enable them to effectively combat crime in the area.

The Ijumu Day celebration continued with various cultural displays, traditional dances, and performances showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Ijumu people. The event served as a platform for residents to come together and celebrate their shared history and traditions.

Local artisans and craftsmen showcased their skills, displaying traditional crafts such as beadwork, pottery, and weaving. Food vendors offered a variety of local delicacies, giving attendees a taste of the culinary delights of the region.

Children participated in cultural competitions, games, and activities, highlighting the importance of passing down traditional practices to the younger generation.

As the sun set on the vibrant festivities, attendees expressed their gratitude for a successful and enriching cultural celebration. The event served as a reminder of the strength that comes from unity and collective action in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

As the Ijumu Day celebration came to a close, Salman’s message of collective security responsibility resonated with all in attendance, serving as a call to action for individuals to play their part in keeping their community safe and secure.

ADC under National Leadership of Leke Abejide Holds Expanded Congress in Lokoja, affirms Hon. Sunday Maiyaki as new state Chairman, adopts Tinubu for 2027 Presidency.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC under the national leadership of Hon. Leke Abejide, chairman House of Representative committee on custom and excise successfully held state congress and stakeholders meeting of the party today in Lokoja, the state capital.

In the expanded congress which was well attended by major stakeholders of the party across the country, Hon Sunday Maiyaki was affirmed as the new state chairman in accordance with the party constitution as amended.

Speaking during the congress in Lokoja, the national leader of the party, Hon. Leke Abejide thanked members of the party in Kogi State for standing for the truth against those who wants to hijack the party into already failed coalition.

Hon.Abejide also debunked his purported suspension from the party by Sen. Dino Melaye as untrue and figment of the senator's imagination.

"We are warning Sen. Dino Melaye to stop parading himself as ADC member because he can not import his arrogance, impunity and lawlessness from PDP into ADC.

We will resist his political shenanigans and prove to him that we are more politically savvy than him, not only that, that we also have acceptability among our people" he said.

Hon. Abejide warned members of ADC against harbouring Sen. Dino Melaye which he described as a "Baby and feeding bottle Lawyer"  who ought to have known the law but out of desperation choosed the part of lawlessness and impunity.

On a final note, the national leader of ADC, Hon. Abejide declared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the automatic and only candidate of the party for 2027 general election nation wide.

In a Bid to Strengthen Tech: Salman Idris Distributes Laptops to His Constituents

In his unwavering commitment to empowering the next generation and strengthening the digital capacity of his constituency, Hon. Salman Idris has once again demonstrated visionary leadership by distributing laptops to students, youth, and small business owners across the region.

At a time when technology is reshaping every sector of society from education and governance to business and innovation Hon. Salman Idris recognizes that no community should be left behind. The distribution of laptops is not just a gesture, but a strategic investment in human capital, digital literacy, and socio-economic growth.

Speaking during the presentation, he emphasized that access to technology is now a necessity, not a luxury. He stated that empowering young people with digital tools opens doors to global opportunities, enhances learning outcomes, encourages creativity, and boosts employment prospects. For entrepreneurs and small business owners, these devices serve as a pathway to improved record keeping, online marketing, e-commerce, and financial inclusion.

Beneficiaries expressed deep appreciation, noting that the gesture reflects Hon. Salman Idris’ consistent dedication to development, innovation, and community upliftment. Many described the laptops as a life changing asset that will support education, skill acquisition, and digital transformation.

This initiative adds to the growing list of impactful projects championed by Salman Idris projects rooted in vision, inclusiveness, and a sincere desire to build a technologically competitive constituency. By prioritizing tech empowerment, he continues to set a standard for responsive and forward-thinking leadership.

Hon. Salman Idris has once again proven that progress is achieved not by words alone but by intentional action. Through initiatives like this, he is preparing the constituency for a future where digital competence will define success, growth, and opportunity.

Stop parading yourself as a member of our party, Kogi ADC to Senator Dino Melaye.

The Kogi state chapter of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has warned  Senator Dino Melaye, formerly representing Kogi West Senatorial District, to stop parading himself as a member of the party.

The party noted that  Dino is not their member, citing his multiple interferences in the party activities and continued attacks on the party. 

The African Democratic Congress Kogi State Public Relations Officer, Hon Tayo Johnson made this known in Lokoja on Friday. 

According to him, the Party’s State Executives made it clear that they remain a separate entity and there is no merger or coalition with those marauders like Melaye who claim to be members of ADC in their fraudulent way to hijack power. 

The ADC state spokesman in his statement, said: “Let me state unequivocally that Dino Melaye is not a member of ADC in Kogi state, he is not known in his ward as a member of our Party, therefore, he has no identity in our party and cannot speak in the interest of ADC in Kogi state".

Johnson added that Melaye is acting in his usual way as a social media content creator, whose aim is just to act for content's sake and make meaningless noise through the media. 

"Dino is not a recognised member of ADC. He is an imposter, his activities don't align with those of the African Democratic Congress and lack a say in the composition of the party’s leadership.  

"Since he has not paid any membership dues or participated in any party activities both in the state, local government, and even his ward, which are prerequisites for joining the party, we consider that he is impersonating as a member of our party ADC. With this, he is not qualified to or recognized to represent our party at all levels”. 

“Hon. Leke Abejide is the National leader of ADC who has won his elections into the House of Representatives under the ADC and has been a financial member of the party since 2018 to date, he is a standing member of ADC.

"Therefore, we employ the INEC,  Inspector General of Police, and the general public not to take Melaye seriously in his display,  his aim is to destroy ADC the same way he has destroyed his former acclaimed political party through self gain will not be tolerated. 

"He should desist from impersonating ADC and stop speaking in the name of our party.

"After the two major court cases, separately initiated by Rt Hon Leke Abejide and the Benue State Chairman of ADC, we shall know who owns the ADC".

He noted that Melaye and other members of the ADC coalition in Kogi State met Leke Abejide in the party, not just as an ordinary member but elected under the ADC platform, "meaning that Leke Abejide is not only a State Stakeholder, he is also a National Stakeholder".

"They met Leke Abejide in the ADC, and as such, based on the party's constitution, his supposed suspension or expulsion is illegal. Meanwhile, Leke Abejide is in court against them; they don't have any right to initially call for declaring his seat vacant and all".

Kogi lawmaker, Leke Abejide gives N60m interest-free loan to Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu traders.

 

Chief Leke Abejide, Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Customs has commenced the disbursement of interest-free loans to traders Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency.

Hon. Leke said the loans are intended to support traders’ businesses, improve socio-economic conditions, and uplift residents in the area.

Providing an interest-free loan to women is borne out of the need for me to help the traders in form of capital to help their businesses.

This is in fulfilment of a promise to set aside an amount to be used as revolving interest free loans to traders.

The lawmaker added that he intends to continue serving the people through initiatives that positively impact their livelihoods.

The lawmaker urged beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and return the principal promptly to allow other traders access to the loan.

“Mechanism has been set up to monitor the disbursement to traders under the Leke Abejide Foundation.

‎Presenting the N60m to 31 cooperatives societies, the Director General of the Foundation, Oba Shola Adebola said the Founder placed premium on women, hence his decision to accommodate beneficiaries from the two LGA even when he was from another constituency.

The Leke Abejide Foundation had earlier given N100m interest free loan to members of his immediate Yagba Federal constituency before extending same to the two LGAs in Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu.

"A sum of 60 million naira is here today presented, through 31 co-operative groups to women in Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu local government areas, covering 276 Beneficiaries.

‎”The interest free loan, 30 million naira per local government, involving 142 women in Kabba-Bunu and 134 in Ijumu, is expected to be paid back within a period of 12 months.”

Abejide fights back as expelled ADC members move to void his mandate

ABUJA – Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, the two-term representative of Yagba East/West/Mopamuro Federal Constituency in Kogi State, has pushed back firmly against a move to declare his seat vacant.

His camp says the petition, submitted by two individuals who have already been expelled from the party, is baseless and cannot stand any constitutional test.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Public Communications, Bashiru Abdul Mohammed, the lawmaker’s team described the petitioners, Kingsley Temitope Ogga and Adaji John Udale, as persons without any legal or party authority to challenge Abejide’s mandate.

Mohammed noted that both men had been expelled through their wards, with the decisions ratified at the local government, state, and national levels, making their intervention a ‘non-issue’ from the start.

He stressed that the petitioners also attempted to mislead the public through a recent publication that, in his view, was driven by malice rather than facts.

“The leadership of the African Democratic Party (ADC) has long expelled the duo, Mr. Kingsley Temitope Ogga through his ward Oga-Omi-Odo Ara and likewise to Mr. Adaji. Their expulsion was further rectified by their respective Local Government Areas and affirmed by both the State and National Working Committee (NWC), hence lacks the jurisdictional authority and locus standi to effect, as erroneously reported on the 13th November Tribune’s publication of 2025.”

Mohammed also advised the petitioners to familiarize themselves with constitutional provisions guiding the removal of lawmakers.

He pointed specifically to Sections 68 and 109 of the Constitution, which outline how National Assembly and State Assembly seats may be declared vacant.

Mohammed urged the duo to get themselves properly educated and abreast with the constitutional stipulations to declaring a lawmaker’s seat vacant, entrenched in sections 68 for National Assembly and 109 for State Houses of Assembly respectively.

He further argued that those behind the petition were attempting to rely on constitutional arguments they had little moral basis to invoke.

“The ADC who fragrantly failed to respect the constitution of the party at the national level, following Nwosu’s resignation cannot reference to the superior constitution of Nigeria at the state level,” he stated.

Mohammed warned the individuals against continued impersonation, saying their actions could attract legal consequences if they refuse to stop. He added that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, was expected to dismiss the petition once it reaches his table.

He reaffirmed that Abejide was duly re-elected in accordance with both party and constitutional requirements, and that his mandate remains intact and strongly defended by his supporters.

Re: Kogi ADC petitions NASS, seeks declaration of lawmaker’s seat vacant

….Their plot is dead on arrival, Yagba Federal Constituency seat remains intact for Hon. Leke Abejide

The recent dramatic performance of one Mr Kingsley and John Adaji in their letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon Tajudeen Abbas seeking the declaration of the Yagba Federal Constituency seat vacant should ordinarily beat the imagination of every enlightened mind, it is absolutely outside the provinces of common sense and reality. 

It is common knowledge that the self-acclaimed Kogi state ADC Chairman, Mr Kingsley Temitope, has been expelled from the party for misappropriating funds and other misconduct that has put the party in disarray. Parading himself as the party chairman in Kogi state is illegal.

What is mind-boggling is how he has been parading himself as the State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and also seeking that an elected member’s seat be declared vacant. Hon. Leke Abejide is the only standing member of the ADC, who has kept the party together from being deregistered by INEC. 

To set the record straight, Mr Kingsley and Adaji John are no longer members of ADC in Kogi state and they have no constitutional or statutory powers to expel Hon. Leke Abejide from the party or seek that his seat be declared vacant in the House of Representatives. 

We acknowledge their constitutional right to play politics, but it is wrong for them to continue to parade themselves as members of ADC with their untested status as an objective egg-head to misinform the unsuspecting public including using the elected seat of Yagba Federal Constituency. 

They cannot discard or seek to declare vacant the electoral mandate given to Hon. Leke Abejide which was given by the electorate of Yagba Federal Constituency. 

“The constitutional role, duties, and powers given under Section 53 or any other provision of the Constitution do not extend to the determination of validity, lawfulness, or whether a Member of the House of Representatives has ceased to be a member of the House.

The certificate of return issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) entitled a Member to continue to be in office for four years, except he is removed by a court or tribunal lawfully constituted, resigned, died or he was otherwise removed under Section 68 of the Constitution. 

Therefore, Mr Kingsley Temitope and Adaji’s claims to declare the Yagba Federal Constituency seat vacant are shameless and baseless, as their application is not backed by any known law or judicial precedent in Nigeria.

The desperate actions of the political errand lads, who are parading themselves as members of ADC are indications that they have lost it totally. Wondered why grown adults are not knowledgeable of the content of political parties' constitutions and the nation's constitution to have crafted a funny letter of such, seeking to declare vacant a serving lawmaker's seat on imaginary grounds of a non-existent kangaroo expulsion from the party, which is not even a ground for declaring a seat vacant.

Mr Kingsley Temitope and Adaji John should stop parading themselves as members of ADC in Kogi state, as their letter is dead on arrival with no substantive grounds. 

The Letter written to the Speaker by this group of political jokers is seeking the impossible and ridiculous prayer, asking that Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas declared the seat of Yagba Federal Constituency vacant rep Leke Abejide who didn't even decamp from the party for which he was elected.

“How do you wake up and seek the seat of a serving lawmaker who is still a member of his party to be declared vacant on an imaginary ground of a non-existing kangaroo expulsion from the party which is not even a ground for declaring a seat vacant.”

The hatred from these impostors who want to come to the party through the back door and through illegality over the hard stance of Abejide on the issues of their illegal decamping to the party and also claiming to have taken over the party is why they are engaging in diverse ridiculous illegal attempts to attack Abejide whose advocacy against the illegalities of these rogues aimed at seizing the party he held solid. 

“This is yet another absurdity and embarrassment from these illegal hijackers whose mission is to take over our party through their illegal and purported backdoor hijack.

“Yagba Federal Constituency seat remains intact for Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide because in line with the law, he remains a member of ADC under the party he was elected and has not defected to another party. Mr Kingley Temitope should stop parading his illegality. He is no longer the Kogi State Chairman of the African Democratic Congress ADC, no amount of restlessness and baseless plots will change that."