By Abah Benjamin Eneojoh
Government House, Lokoja
May 5, 2026
A strong wave of political solidarity and appreciation swept through the Government House in Lokoja on Tuesday as aspirants to the Kogi State House of Assembly under the All Progressives Congress (APC) paid a thank-you visit to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, in what turned into a resounding accolades of the leadership model of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and its growing influence on governance in Kogi State.
The visit, which brought together 25 aspirants from across the three senatorial districts, was not only to express gratitude to the governor but also to acknowledge what they described as a transformational political legacy championed by President Tinubu, one that has fostered inclusion, empowered young leaders, and driven sustainable development.
Speaking during the meeting, Governor Ododo traced the roots of Kogi’s current political stability and developmental strides to the leadership philosophy of President Tinubu. He noted that the President’s long-standing commitment to nurturing young talents, evident in figures like Babatunde Fashola and Femi Gbajabiamila has become a template now being replicated in Kogi State.
According to the Governor, “Mr. President has built a system that identifies, nurtures, and elevates young leaders. That same template is what we are applying here in Kogi, and the results are visible in the unity, growth, and development we are recording.”
He further paid tribute to former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for laying a solid foundation that has made it easier to sustain progressive governance in the state.
Governor Ododo emphasized that Kogi remains firmly aligned with the APC, describing the party as deeply rooted among the people, as evidenced by massive membership registration and participation across the state. He reiterated that the APC does not impose candidates, assuring aspirants of a level playing field in the forthcoming primaries.
“We are going into this primary election as one family. It will be free, fair, credible, and transparent. No one will be disadvantaged,” he assured.
Highlighting the tangible impact of federal support under President Tinubu, the governor commended ongoing infrastructural projects, particularly the strategic Abaji–Lokoja–Benin road, describing it as a critical lifeline for economic growth in the region.
In a moment that drew applause, Governor Ododo credited the President for improved fiscal stability in the country, noting that salary payments in Kogi State have become seamless. “People call me ‘Mr Alert,’ but the original ‘Mr Alert’ is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said, revealing the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
He urged the aspirants to deepen their grassroots engagement, reminding them that true leadership begins with understanding the needs of the people. He also called for unity before and after the primaries, encouraging contestants to embrace inclusiveness and collective progress.
“Kogi belongs to all of us. We must join hands to build it. If you win, carry everyone along. Together, we will deliver for APC from top to bottom,” the governor stated.
Governor Ododo also stressed his administration’s proactive approach to governance, particularly in conflict resolution and protection of lives, affirming that his government will never allow crises to escalate before taking action.
Speaking On behalf of the aspirants, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Yusuf, said the delegation visited to present their nomination forms and seek the governor’s blessing ahead of the primaries. He commended Ododo’s leadership for fostering unity and reducing tensions through strategic consultations.
Yusuf noted that the current political atmosphere in the state reflects maturity and cohesion, attributing it to both the governor’s leadership and the guiding influence of President Tinubu’s inclusive governance model.
The governor also highlighted the overwhelming number of aspirants across the state’s three senatorial districts as a clear indication of APC’s dominance and the confidence Kogites have in the party.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to continue projecting the achievements and vision of President Tinubu, emphasizing that his administration’s plans for Kogi State and Nigeria at large remain pivotal to sustained development.
The visit forms part of ongoing consultations within the APC as the party prepares for its primaries, setting the stage for what observers describe as a defining moment in Kogi’s political evolutionwhich is firmly anchored on the Tinubu doctrine of leadership, inclusion, and progress.
