Kogi 2027: Delegates Back Ododo, Propose 2032 Power Rotation

Eight-year rotational arrangement has been agreed to begin in 2032.

LEADERSHIP reports that the move was supported by delegates at the maiden Kogi Power Rotation Summit, where they agreed to allow Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to complete a second term in office.

Furthermore, the position was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the two-day summit held on September 30 and October 1, 2026, at the K Galaxy Event Centre, Lokoja.

The summit, organised by the Kogi Unity Accord, brought together stakeholders from Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, political actors, community organisations, professionals, youths and civil society groups.

The communiqué said the majority of views expressed at the summit supported the commencement of power rotation in 2032.

It said the proposed date would allow time for further consultations, legislation and the development of a legal framework, while allowing the incumbent governor to complete his constitutionally guaranteed second term.

However, the position was not unanimous, as some delegates and organisations called for power to move to Kogi West immediately after the expiration of Ododo’s tenure.

President of the Okun Development Association, Amb. Rotimi Akenson, argued that Kogi West should produce the next governor, saying the zone had not produced a governor since the creation of the state.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through its representative at the summit, also supported the transfer of power to Kogi West after the incumbent’s tenure.

The CAN representative further expressed a preference for a Christian governor, citing ethnic and religious considerations.

The summit said power rotation could promote fairness, unity, peaceful coexistence and a stronger sense of belonging among the people of the state.

It, however, stressed that rotation should not override considerations of competence, integrity, capacity, accountability and leadership ability.

“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.

The summit also acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not expressly provide for rotation of the governorship among senatorial districts.

It therefore recommended that any eventual arrangement should comply with constitutional, electoral and democratic processes.

A major development at the summit was the position of the Kogi State House of Assembly, with Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf saying the legislature was prepared to consider legislation to provide a framework for power rotation.

Yusuf said the issue would require careful deliberation and that the views of stakeholders would be considered in the legislative process.

Governor Ododo, represented by Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), urged stakeholders to pursue political dialogue without compromising peace in the state.

He also urged young people to reject political violence and called for peaceful engagement as the state approaches another electoral cycle.

The summit chairman, Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (Rtd.), called for a structured framework to promote political inclusion and reduce tensions around power sharing.

The former Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Sir Kehinde Ejibunu, also urged stakeholders to consider the aspirations of minority groups in any power-sharing arrangement.

“We want the state to be together; we don’t want it to be set ablaze,” he said.

The summit further proposed a Kogi Charter of Equity and Inclusion to guide political participation and representation across the state.

It recommended further consultations across the three senatorial districts, the creation of zonal structures and a follow-up mechanism to sustain discussions on the issue.

The communiqué also called for the protection of minority communities from political marginalisation and urged that elective and political appointments reflect equitable representation and the spirit of federal character.

The summit said its resolutions should mark the beginning of further consultations rather than the conclusion of the debate on political succession in the state.