Why 2028 governorship should be zoned to Kogi- west – Ohikere

A former Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Convener of the Coalition for Better Kogi State, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has called for the governorship seat to be zoned to Kogi West in 2028, warning that continued exclusion of the district could undermine equity, justice and political stability in the state.

Ohikere, made the call in a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday.

According to him, while Kogi East and Kogi Central had collectively held power for 27 years, Kogi West had yet to produce a governor since the state’s creation.

He said, “As an Ebira man from Okene, I cannot defend 17-12-0. My conscience forbids it,” stressing that his position was anchored on fairness rather than ethnic considerations.

The former commissioner said the principle of rotation was necessary to promote justice, peace and political stability in the state, arguing that Kogi West had demonstrated sufficient human and economic resources to lead the state.

According to him, Kogi West, which hosts the state capital, Lokoja, as well as major economic assets and diverse communities, could provide a platform for greater unity among the three senatorial districts.

Ohikere also rejected the proposed Kogi Unity and Power Rotation Summit scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2026, describing it as a gathering being organised by serving government officials rather than a neutral stakeholders’ forum.

He argued that serving commissioners, special advisers and senior special assistants could not objectively moderate a debate on power rotation because they were beneficiaries of the existing political structure.

“You cannot be a beneficiary of 10 years going to 12 years and at the same time be the moderator of who gets it next,” he said.

Ohikere said the Coalition for Better Kogi State would not participate in the planned summit, describing it as a potential avenue for delaying the discussion on power rotation to Kogi West.

He said the coalition would instead organise a “Kogi Equity, Unity and Rotation National Summit” in Abuja in the third week of October 2026, with Kabba proposed as an alternative viewing centre.

The former commissioner said the proposed citizens’ summit would bring together stakeholders, particularly from Kogi East and Kogi West, as well as individuals from Kogi Central who support equity.

He said the summit would seek to develop a “Kogi Charter of Equity” to be presented to political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders.

Ohikere maintained that political rotation was not a constitutional requirement but argued that zoning and political agreements remained part of Nigeria’s political practice.

“Kogi East has governed. Kogi Central has governed. Kogi West has not. That is history,” he said, urging political parties to consider the principle of equity in determining their candidates for the 2028 governorship election.