Stakeholders across the three senatorial districts of Kogi State have resolved to adopt an eight-year rotational governorship arrangement, proposing that the system take effect in 2032 after the completion of Governor Usman Ododo’s second term.
The decision was contained in a communiqué released on Friday at the conclusion of the maiden two-day Kogi State Power Rotation Summit held in Lokoja.
The summit, convened by the Kogi Unity Accord under the theme “Retooling Kogi for Unity, Equity and Shared Prosperity,” brought together traditional rulers, political leaders, socio-cultural groups, civil society organizations, and trade unions.
According to the communiqué, setting the commencement date for 2032 allows time to establish a legal framework while enabling the incumbent governor to complete his constitutionally permitted second term.
“The Summit recognised that power rotation could serve as a mechanism for promoting fairness, unity, peaceful coexistence and a stronger sense of belonging among the people of Kogi State,” the communiqué stated, while emphasizing that competence and integrity must remain key selection criteria.
However, delegates from Kogi West Senatorial District and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) advocated an earlier shift, demanding that the governorship rotate to Kogi West immediately after Ododo’s current tenure, citing that the zone has not produced a governor since the state’s creation in 1991.
Addressing the summit, Governor Ododo, represented by Commodore Jerry Omodara (rtd), called for peaceful political engagement.
“Treat Kogi’s diversity as a source of strength and promote trust, peace and inclusive dialogue as the state approaches another electoral cycle,” Ododo said.
Present at the event, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Yusuf, announced the legislature’s readiness to provide a legal backing for power rotation.
“The House of Assembly is prepared to enact legislation providing a framework for power rotation, requiring careful deliberation where the views of all stakeholders will be considered,” Yusuf stated.
The summit chairman, Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (rtd), urged political actors to build a structured framework to minimize tribal rivalries, while former Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Sir Kehinde Ejibunu, advocated the protection of minority interest groups.
“We want the state to be together; we don’t want it to be set ablaze,” Ejibunu said.
The stakeholders resolved to draft a Kogi Charter of Equity and Inclusion to guide future political appointments and representation across the state’s three senatorial districts.
