The Strategy of Empowering the Weak in Kogi East and Its Ripple Effect

One of the biggest political miscalculations in Kogi East today is the deliberate strategy of empowering politically weak individuals and expecting such decisions to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections. What many fail to understand is that political appointments are not just about occupying offices; they are about influence, grassroots connection, mobilization capacity, and electoral value.

The current political reality in Kogi East clearly shows that empowering weak political structures will eventually weaken the party itself which is the prayer on many lips.

Politics is built on structure, influence, loyalty, visibility, and results. When strategic positions are handed to individuals without strong grassroots acceptance or electoral value, the long-term consequence is always failure at the polls.

The idea behind Deputy Governorship position was expected to strengthen APC’s hold in Kogi East, unite stakeholders, attract undecided voters, and create a stronger connection between the government and the people. Unfortunately, after almost three years in office, many people are still asking a simple question:

“What exactly has changed politically in Kogi East because of the Deputy Governor?”

That question alone speaks volumes.

Before the election, some people defended the Deputy Governor’s poor electoral influence by saying he was “just a running mate” and had not yet occupied office. That excuse can no longer stand today.

After nearly three years as Deputy Governor:

There is no visible political structure strengthened by him.

There is no major grassroots movement linked to his leadership.

There is no identifiable political expansion credited to him.

There is no evidence that APC has grown stronger in his area because of his office.

There are no significant projects or empowerment initiatives directly associated with him that can influence voters.

If occupying the second highest office in the state cannot translate into political influence, then serious questions must be asked about capacity.

The greatest test of any political office holder is electoral delivery.

Can he deliver votes?
Can he influence public opinion? Can he mobilize people?
Can he defend the party at the grassroots?

Today, many people openly believe that if a free and fair election is conducted, the Deputy Governor may struggle to even deliver his own ward convincingly for APC. This is not opposition propaganda anymore; it has become a common political discussion across Kogi East.

A Deputy Governor is expected to command respect and political relevance across local governments. Instead, what we have seen is a continuous decline in political visibility and influence.

For the first time in Kogi State history, many people believe the office of Deputy Governor has been reduced to its weakest political relevance.

In fact, there are government officials with less constitutional ranking but more visibility, influence, and public recognition than the current Deputy Governor.

The office now appears more like a “Deputy Governor of Ceremonies” than a politically strategic position capable of influencing governance, strengthening party structures, or mobilizing grassroots support.

It is politically embarrassing when an Auditor General appears more like a Deputy Governor.

That alone reflects how weak the office has become under the current leadership.

The danger is not just about one individual, the bigger danger is the ripple effect on their party itself.

Many APC supporters in Kogi East already feel politically abandoned and disconnected because they believe the zone was not given strong representation capable of defending their interests.

The political reality is simple:

If APC could barely maintain confidence in Kogi East despite controlling power, future elections may become even more difficult.

Delivering Tinubu again in the next presidential election may not be as easy as some people think, especially if voter dissatisfaction continues to grow.

The same applies to Ododo if he decides to seek reelection.

Politics is local before it becomes statewide or national. Once a zone begins to lose confidence in its own representation, the electoral consequences eventually spread wider.

Ironically, many opposition members in Kogi East would prefer the current Deputy Governor to remain in office till the next election.

Why?

Because they believe his continued stay strengthens their chances politically.

That alone should worry APC strategists.

When opposition parties become comfortable with your strongest office holder in a region, then it is clear something is politically wrong.

Leadership positions should never be used merely to compensate loyalty or satisfy political balancing. They must be used strategically to strengthen lives, expand influence, and consolidate electoral victories.

Empowering weak political structures may temporarily satisfy a few individuals, but eventually the entire party pays the price.

Kogi East deserves stronger representation, stronger political coordination, stronger grassroots engagement, and leaders capable of inspiring confidence across all parties and among the people.

The next election may become the final test of whether APC truly understands the consequences of empowering weakness over capacity or benefits another special thing from photographs.

I.D Ijele
A Concerned Kogi Citizen