Why in 2028 the governorate should be zoned to Kogi-west – Ohikere

A former Kogi State Information Commissioner and convener of the Coalition for a 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 fairness, justice and political stability in the state.

Ohikere, made this appeal in a statement released 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 creation of the state.

He said: “As an Ebira man of Okene, I cannot defend 17-12-0. My conscience forbids me,” stressing that his position was anchored on equity 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 is home to the state capital, Lokoja, as well as important economic assets and diverse communities, could provide a platform for greater unity among the three senatorial districts.

Ohikere also dismissed the proposed Kogi Unity and Power Rotation Summit scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2026, describing it as a meeting organized by government officials rather than a neutral forum of stakeholders.

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

“You can’t be the beneficiary of 10 years going to 12 years and at the same time be the moderator of who gets it after that,” he said.

Ohikere said the Coalition for Better Kogi State would not attend the scheduled summit, describing it as a potential avenue to delay discussion on the rotation of power in Kogi West.

He said the coalition would instead organize a “National Summit on Kogi Equity, Unity and Rotation” in Abuja in the third week of October 2026, with Kabba proposed as an alternative observation 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 advocate for equity.

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

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

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