‘Over 60,000 Votes For 2027’: South South Residents In Kogi Endorse Gov. Ododo, Demand Land For ‘Ododo House’

Residents of South South extraction in Kogi State have pledged to deliver over 60,000 votes for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in the 2027 governorship election, citing his “people-centered leadership and giant strides” across the state.

The pledge was made on behalf of the six South South States — Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Rivers — when the group paid a historic courtesy visit to the Governor in Lokoja.

The visit, led by Abu Michael who is the Spokesperson and Leader of the South South People in Kogi, was described as the first of its kind since the creation of the state.

According to Abu Michael, the visit also had the backing of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and APC Chairman, Edo State, Jarret Tenebe. He commended Governor Ododo for his “exploits” during the APC primary and the 2023 governorship election, describing him as the first Kogi governor proven to be a true friend of Edo State.

Commending the administration, the group highlighted achievements in five key sectors of health, applauded the construction and equipping of 110 new Primary Healthcare Centres across the 21 LGAs to expand access to quality and affordable care at the grassroots.

In education, they noted the renovation of over 500 public schools, sustained free WAEC registration, free education at primary and secondary levels, and massive infrastructural development in tertiary institutions including KSU Kabba, CUSTECH Okene and the College of Medicine, Anyigba.

On workers’ welfare, the South South residents praised the payment of salaries above the national minimum wage, a tax holiday for civil servants, and what they called a historic break from the era of late payment and percentage payment of salary.”

They also commended ongoing projects in aviation with the development of a new airport to boost connectivity and investment, and in commerce with the construction of a new international market and other modern markets to grow IGR.

“Your Excellency, these giant strides are not going unnoticed. The South South stands with you and commends your people-centered leadership,” Abu Michael said.

In a major show of support ahead of 2027, Abu Michael declared: “We the people of the South South hereby pledge to deliver over 60,000 votes. We overwhelmingly endorse Gov. Ododo for a second term. We will also vote President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and other APC candidates in the state.”

In his remarks, Governor Ododo described the gesture as “unprecedented” and pledged an inclusive administration. He described South South residents in Kogi as peaceful and law-abiding, and reaffirmed that his government is for everyone. He also reeled out further efforts of his administration across key sectors.

The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of a souvenir and the conferment of the “Oshio of Edo Kingdom” title on Governor Ododo by Chief Alex Odiase on behalf of the group.

“We pray for more wisdom and strength as you continue to deliver dividends of democracy to the good people of Kogi State,” the group concluded.