Former elected chairmen and political appointees in Kogi State, under the aegis of the Local Government Elected and Appointees Forum, have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for another term and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in office.
The forum, led by its chairman, Alhaji Taofiq Isa, announced the endorsements at a press conference in Lokoja, saying its decision was based on the need for continuity, stability, institutional consolidation and sustained development at both the federal and state levels.
Isa said the forum had carefully assessed the political and developmental circumstances of the state and the country before arriving at its position, stressing that ongoing reforms and development programmes required continuity to achieve their full impact.
He commended former Kogi State governor and political leader, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his contributions to the state’s political and developmental evolution, particularly in security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, human capital development and youth participation in governance.
He also credited Bello with strengthening political structures across the state.
The forum, however, praised Governor Ododo for what it described as his inclusive leadership and commitment to consolidating the political and developmental foundation inherited from the previous administration.
Isa particularly commended the governor for retaining the various political structures associated with Bello, saying the approach had promoted reconciliation and unity rather than exclusion.
He also applauded Ododo for steps towards settling outstanding entitlements owed former vice chairmen, secretaries, supervisory councillors and other local government appointees, describing the move as a demonstration of institutional responsibility and respect for public service.
“By taking this step, Your Excellency, you have demonstrated that those who served government will not be forgotten,” Isa said, urging the administration to sustain efforts towards clearing all legitimate outstanding obligations.
The forum further commended the Ododo administration’s efforts in security, education, healthcare and infrastructure, including road projects, the Kogi State Cargo Airport and the development of an international-standard market. It urged the governor to maintain momentum and ensure that the projects were completed to standard and in accordance with due process.
On the federal government, Isa said the forum recognised the economic and institutional challenges confronting Nigeria under Tinubu but maintained that the administration should be given the opportunity to consolidate its ongoing reforms.
“Our support for President Tinubu is anchored on our belief in continuity, stability, institutional consolidation and the long-term interest of the Nigerian people,” he said.
Formally announcing the resolutions, the forum endorsed Tinubu for another presidential term, Ododo for a second term as Kogi governor, reaffirmed its loyalty and appreciation to Bello, and pledged continued political mobilisation and constructive engagement in the interest of the state and Nigeria.
Isa also appealed to political actors to approach the 2027 elections with responsibility and decorum, urging them to campaign on ideas, policies and the welfare of the people rather than personal attacks and divisive rhetoric.
“The future of Kogi State must remain greater than the ambitions of any individual,” he said.
The forum declared that its political choice was “continuity, stability and development,” adding emphatically that, “by the grace of Almighty Allah, there is no vacancy in the Kogi State Government House.”