Stakeholders from Kogi East have endorsed Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for a second term in 2027, and resolved to pursue a strategic alliance aimed at returning political power to the senatorial district in 2031.

This was part of the resolutions reached at the Kogi East Political Summit held yesterday at the Auditorium of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, Kogi State.

The summit, organised by the Kogi Elites Forum, brought together scholars from academia, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, students, faith-based organisations, and Kogi East indigenes in the Diaspora.

The communiqué, signed by the chairman and secretary of the planning committee, Professor David Menenge, and Musa Isiaka, called for a workable alliance with Kogi Central, where the incumbent governor hails from, as a pathway to returning power to Kogi East.

In a 10-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the participants appraised Ododo’s two years in office, and scored him on developmental initiatives and his handling of security challenges across the state.

Consequently, the participants unanimously endorsed him to seek re-election in 2027, with an understanding that power should return to Kogi East after the completion of his second term in 2031.

The gathering also unveiled a “Movement for Strategic Alliance,” a mobilisation platform aimed at promoting peaceful elections devoid of violence and political malpractice in the state.

THIS came as the governorcharged men of the 12 Brigade Nigeria Army, Lokoja, to double their efforts in battling criminality and terrorism in the state this year. Ododo gave the charge at the 2025 edition of West Africa Social Activities (WASA) held at the Chari Maigumeri Barracks, Lokoja, at the weekend.

The governor, who was the special guest of honour at the event, said: “I wish to also commend you for your enduring effort to ensure that peace and security prevail in Kogi State.

“As you commence another activity this year, I charge you to remain focused and highly resilient to all forms of distractions. Moreso, I urge you to remain proactive in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and to redouble your effort in achieving greatness in the year 2026.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Commander, 12 Brigade Lokoja, Brigadier General Kasim Sidi Umar, commended the dedication, discipline, and professionalism displayed by officers and soldiers of the Brigade throughout the year.