2027: Kogi residents endorse Ododo, Tinubu for second term

The Afemai people in Lokoja have endorsed Gov. Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their second-term election bid.

This is just as it pledged to deliver 50,000 votes to the APC in the upcoming general elections in 2027.

The Onogie, Afemai in Lokoja, HRH Alh Zakaria Dangana made the disclosure on Sunday during the second edition of their annual end-of-the-year celebration held in Lokoja.

Chief Dangana noted that his people had pledged their support and loyalty to Governor Ododo for his pragmatic policies towards non-indigenes, which the Afemai people have heavily benefited.

The Afemai people, also known as the Etsako people, with six local government councils in Edo State, have lived in Kogi State for over a century, contributing to the development and growth of Kogi State.

He informed that his people are peace-loving citizens and have a knack for establishing projects that have a direct bearing on the host communities.

While assuring the government of their massive support, he appeals to have his stool recognised, graded and gazetted just like his counterpart ethnic nationalities in Kogi state.

He added that in their many decades of stay in the state, the Afemai’s have not been found wanting in crime and criminality as they are tenaciously mindful of their businesses.

He solicited civil service employment and political appointment for the qualified indigenes who have demonstrated integrity, proven character and expertise that should be trusted with high political positions and empowerment projects for the unity of the State.

Meanwhile, Governor Ododo assured them of considering their requests and advised them to form a formidable group to chart their cause with relevant government platforms.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Engineer Yahaya Farouk, admitted the critical role the Esako people have been playing in the development and growth of Lokoja and indeed Kogi State.

He added that from the Second Republic, the Afemai sons and daughters have been critical in the formation of National political Parties in the state, urging them to continue to play active politics to open floodgates for the sharing of the dividends of democracy.

Ododo said, “My charge to you is for you to make yourselves relevant by forming Associations that can reach the government through your programmes and activities. We know your strength, and it is only when your strength is communicated to the government through political activities that you will be considered for the perks in the state. You have started in this direction with your annual end-of-the-year celebration, and I can assure you, your request will be looked into.”

In the same vein, the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Gambo Maikarfi V, noted that he is overwhelmed by the development prodigy inherent in every Afemai son and daughter in Lokoja, saying the growth of Adankolo and Lokongoma cannot be complete without the contributions of the Esako people in the state.

In a remark, the state Chairman of PDP, Mohammed Sani Gambo, applauded Governor Ododo for his fight against banditry and kidnappers, which he had declared not to pay ransom and would confront them with all the might of the government.

He said, though, he belongs to the PDP, but security issues are everybody’s concern, hence, his call for the people to give maximum support to the governor to defeat the common enemies.

Gambo pledged to mobilise his members in support of the government in the area of security and programmes that have a direct impact on the people.

He commended the organisers for this year’s end-of-the-year ceremony and assured them of his support for the Association, as many of his dependable friends are from the area.

In his opening remarks, Abu Michael, Chairman, Afemai Progressive Union, said the gathering is for sober reflection, repositioning Afemai people for socio-economic development, particularly ahead of the 2027 General election.

He solicited support for Afemai sons and daughters, in the area of employment, appointment and empowerment, urged the state government to identify with the Afemai people resident, pointing out that having lived in Lokoja for a century, they have become indigenes, contributing to the socio-economic development of the State.

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