Kogi Governor Ododo Sets Up APC Peace Panel for 2027 Unity Drive

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has officially launched the All Progressives Congress (APC) Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee. He charged the 17-member panel to work towards reconciling disgruntled party members, fostering unity, and strengthening the APC in preparation for the 2027 general elections. The committee, chaired by former State Governor Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, was inaugurated on Wednesday at Lugard House, the seat of the Kogi State government.

Governor Ododo highlighted the historical significance of this assignment, emphasizing that the APC's resilience in Kogi State would largely depend on its capacity to remain cohesive and embrace members with diverse viewpoints and interests. He reiterated his personal commitment to peaceful engagement, stating, “I am a man of peace. I am a man of consultation and engagement. I have never believed in violence as a means of resolving political differences. I believe that where there is disagreement, there must always be room for dialogue, understanding and reconciliation.”

The governor recalled his efforts following his emergence as the APC candidate for the 2023 governorship election, where he extended invitations to political figures across the state, irrespective of their party affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, or religious beliefs. This, he explained, stemmed from his conviction that every Kogite should have a voice in the state's governance. He noted that the same spirit of dialogue and inclusivity informed the establishment of this new committee. He urged its members to engage with aggrieved leaders and members, attentively listen to their concerns, and encourage everyone to let go of past grievances for the greater good of both the party and the state.

“We are members of the same family. Whatever differences we have had must give way to the greater interest of the party and the state. The timing of this assignment is also important. We are preparing for the 2027 elections,” Governor Ododo asserted. He pointed out that the APC has been the dominant political force in Kogi State since 2015 and expressed confidence that the party could achieve an even stronger showing in 2027 if its members maintain unity.

Furthermore, Governor Ododo acknowledged the substantial support Kogi State has received from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration. He specifically mentioned key projects approved for the state, such as the Kogi International Airport and the Ajaokuta Economic City. According to him, the economic reforms initiated by the Tinubu government have increased the financial resources available to state governments, thereby creating more opportunities for states to implement projects that directly benefit their citizens.

He declared, “We cannot afford to fail a President who has given so much attention and support to Kogi State. We must therefore continue to support President Bola Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. I believe he is the best person to take Nigeria forward, and Kogi State must remain firmly behind him.”

Governor Ododo tasked the committee with identifying the root causes of internal disputes, pinpointing aggrieved members and those affected, and devising sustainable, mutually agreeable resolutions. Additionally, the committee is mandated to identify inactive founding members of the APC, facilitate their return to the party fold, and propose strategies for fostering mutual understanding, lasting unity, peace, and development within the party.

The committee has a three-week deadline to complete its mandate. Its expected outputs include a comprehensive Statewide Grievance and Stakeholder Mapping Report, the development of an APC Continuous Reconciliation Action Plan, a register of unresolved internal disputes with proposed solutions, and a framework for integrating returning members and accommodating new entrants. Ultimately, it is to submit a Final Reconciliation and Political Harmonisation Report containing recommendations for sustaining unity, expanding the party’s support base, and strengthening its grassroots infrastructure.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Capt. Idris Wada expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for the trust placed in the members. He pledged that the committee would commence its work immediately and diligently to reconcile aggrieved members and reinforce the party ahead of the 2027 elections. Wada commended Governor Ododo’s commitment to peace and dialogue, noting that his leadership approach has significantly contributed to peace in the state and bolstered the APC.