2027 polls: Kolawole leads APC rally, backs Tinubu, Ododo for second term

Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Prince Matthew Kolawole, has called on the people of Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to enable them consolidate on their numerous achievements.

Kolawole made the call during the official endorsement/ mega rally for President Tinubu and Governor Ododo continuity project organised by Team Yomi Kola political structure held in Kabba on Friday.

Speaking at the event which drew leaders, elders, women and youth representatives from across Kabba-Bunu and Ijumu federal constituency, the former Speaker described the occasion as both a moment of reflection and a platform for evaluating governance at the federal and state levels.

Prince Kolawole urged citizens to objectively assess ongoing policies and programmes of the current administrations both at Federal and State levels, noting that responsible leadership demands recognition of progress as well as constructive engagement where gaps exist.

He highlighted key initiatives of the Tinubu administration, including the Students Loan Scheme aimed at expanding access to higher education, as well as youth and women empowerment programmes focused on entrepreneurship, skills acquisition and employment generation.

According to him, these interventions are gradually reducing barriers and opening new opportunities for Nigerians, pointing out that the reconstruction of Kabba–Egbe–Ilorin road is a strategic project with the potential to boost economic activities and improve connectivity between Kogi, Kwara and other neighbouring states.

Speaking on security, he acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen the nation’s security architecture through increased support for armed forces and other agencies in tackling banditry, kidnapping and related crimes.

Turning to developments in Kogi State, Kolawole commended Governor Ododo’s administration for prioritising security, workers’ welfare and infrastructure, noting that collaboration between government and community-based security structures has helped to improve safety in parts of Okunland affected by criminal activities.

He further praised the regular payment of salaries and pensions, describing it as critical to the wellbeing of civil servants and pensioners, as well as a driver of local economic stability.

In the area of education, Prince Kolawole described the establishment and development of Kogi State University, Kabba, as a landmark investment in human capital, with far-reaching benefits for the region.

He also lauded the state government’s payment of WAEC and NECO fees for public school students, saying the initiative has eased the burden on parents and expanded access to education.

The former Speaker stressed that development must ultimately be measured by its impact on everyday life, listing roads, healthcare, electricity, water supply, agriculture and small business support as critical areas requiring sustained attention.

The event climaxed with a unanimous endorsement of President Tinubu, Governor Ododo and all APC candidates, as party faithful expressed confidence in their leadership and pledged continued support ahead of future elections.

Kolawole however called for unity and peaceful political participation, expressing optimism for a more secure, prosperous and developed Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituency, Kogi State and Nigeria at large.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Special Adviser to Kogi State Governor on security Jerry Omadara said the achievements of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in their first tenure warrant their re-election in 2027 general elections to enable them deliver more dividends of democracy to Nigerians.