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By Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Governor Usman Ododo of Kogi State has inaugurated the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) with a charge to its members to reconcile aggrieved party members, restore unity and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The governor gave the charge on Wednesday while inaugurating the 17-member committee chaired by former governor of the state, Captain Idris Ichala Wada, in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo described the appointment as historic, stressing that the strength of the APC in Kogi State will largely depend on its ability to remain united and accommodate members with diverse interests and perspectives.
“I am a man of peace. I am a man of consultation and commitment. 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,” he said.
The governor recalled that after emerging as the APC candidate in the 2023 governorship election, he reached out to political leaders across the state regardless of their political parties, ethnic or religious backgrounds, because he believes that every Kogita should have a voice in the affairs of the state.
He said the same spirit of consultation and inclusiveness informed the establishment of the Peace and Conflict Resolution Committee, urging members to reach out to aggrieved leaders and members, listen to their concerns and encourage all to forgive past misgivings for the greater interest of the party and the State.
“We are members of the same family. Whatever differences we 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 said.
He noted that the APC has dominated the political landscape of Kogi State since 2015, expressing confidence that the party could achieve even stronger results in 2027 if its members remain united.
The governor also highlighted the support Kogi State has received from the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing important projects approved for the state, including the Kogi International Airport and Ajaokuta Economic City.
According to him, the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration have increased the resources available to state governments and created more opportunities for states to undertake projects that directly impact the lives of their people.
“We cannot afford to disappoint a President who has given so much attention and support to Kogi State. We must therefore continue to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Renewed Hope Agenda. I believe he is the best person to take Nigeria forward, and Kogi State must stand firmly by his side,” he said.
Governor Ododo charged the committee to determine the underlying causes of disputes within the party, identify aggrieved members and others affected by such disputes, and develop lasting and mutually acceptable solutions.
He further tasked the committee to identify inactive founding members of the APC with a view to bringing them back into the fold and make recommendations to promote mutual understanding, sustainable unity, peace and development within the party.
The committee, which has three weeks to complete its assignment, is expected to produce a state-level grievances and stakeholder mapping report, develop an action plan for ongoing reconciliation of the APC, produce a register of unresolved internal disputes and proposed solutions, and develop a framework for reinstating returning members and welcoming new entrants.
It is also expected to present a final report on political reconciliation and harmonization containing recommendations to sustain unity, expand the party’s support base and strengthen its grassroots structure.
Responding on behalf of the committee, its Chairman and former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada, thanked Governor Ododo for the confidence reposed in the members and assured him that the committee would begin with gusto.
Captain Wada said the committee will work diligently to reconcile aggrieved members and strengthen the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
He commended Governor Ododo’s peaceful disposition and commitment to dialogue, stressing that his leadership approach has significantly contributed to peace in the state and strengthened the APC.
Also speaking, the second vice-chairman of the committee and former deputy governor of Kogi State, Chief Edward Onoja, assured the governor of the commitment of all members to the task.
He promised that the committee will strictly follow its terms of reference and work with all stakeholders to achieve meaningful reconciliation and lasting unity within the party.
The committee comprises former governor, Captain Idris Ichala Wada, as chairman; former Deputy Governor His Excellency Yomi Awoniyi as First Vice President; former Chief Deputy Governor Edward David Onoja as second vice president; and Pharm Mohammed Jamiu Asuku as third vice president.
Other members are Dr Sani Teidi, Hajiya Ramatu Tijani Aliyu, Hajiya Salamatu Baiwa Umar-Eluma, Hon Dan Okolo, Prince Kolawole Mathew, His Excellency Alh Abubakar Sanusi Gamji, Alh Abubakar Sadiq Amodu, Alhaji Ado Shuaibu, Hon Abdulkareem Salihu, Hajiya Ramatu Shehu Atta, ASP Aurelus Adejoh Yusuf and Hon Bode Ogunmola, while Arc Mohammed Suleiman acts as secretary.
With the inauguration of the committee, there is renewed optimism among APC stakeholders across Kogi State that the reconciliation process will further strengthen internal cohesion and position the party for a resounding victory in the 2027 elections.
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