Former Commissioner Advocates Kogi West Governorship Through Power Rotation

Dr. Tom Ohikere, a former Commissioner for Information in Kogi State and the convener of the Coalition for Better Kogi State, has strongly advocated for the governorship seat to be rotated to Kogi West Senatorial District in 2028. He argues that principles of equity and fairness necessitate that the zone produces the state's next chief executive.

In a statement released to journalists in Lokoja, the state capital, on Monday, Ohikere highlighted the historical imbalance in power distribution. He noted that Kogi East has held the governorship for 17 years, while Kogi Central has governed for 10 years, leaving Kogi West without any tenure in the top office since the state's inception. "As an Ebira man from Okene, I cannot defend 17-12-0. My conscience forbids it," Ohikere stated, emphasizing that his call for power rotation is rooted in fairness, not ethnic or sectional interests.

The ex-commissioner stressed that this rotational principle is crucial for fostering justice, peace, and political stability within Kogi State. He further asserted that Kogi West possesses ample human and economic resources to effectively lead the state. Ohikere added, "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 voiced his disapproval of the planned Kogi Unity and Power Rotation Summit, scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2026. He described the event as an initiative by serving government officials rather than a truly neutral gathering of stakeholders. He contended that current commissioners, special advisers, and senior special assistants, being beneficiaries of the existing political arrangement, cannot impartially moderate discussions on power rotation. "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 remarked.

The Coalition for Better Kogi State, according to Ohikere, will not participate in the aforementioned summit, viewing it as a tactic to delay genuine discussions on power rotation to Kogi West. Instead, the coalition plans to organize its own event, titled the “Kogi Equity, Unity and Rotation National Summit,” in Abuja during the third week of October 2026, with Kabba proposed as an alternative venue.

This proposed citizens’ summit aims to bring together key stakeholders, particularly from Kogi East and Kogi West, alongside individuals from Kogi Central who champion equity. Ohikere indicated that the summit would work towards developing a “Kogi Charter of Equity,” which would then be presented to political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other relevant stakeholders.

While acknowledging that political rotation is not explicitly mandated by the constitution, Ohikere maintained that zoning and political agreements remain integral to Nigeria's political landscape. He reiterated the historical fact: “Kogi East has governed. Kogi Central has governed. Kogi West has not. That is history.” The former commissioner concluded by urging political parties to give due consideration to the principle of equity when selecting their candidates for the 2028 governorship election.