2027: Ijele Calls for Kogi East Consensus, Backs QS Aminu

By Ugbede James Abuja

As political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, political analysts, leaders and stakeholders in Kogi East have called on political parties and aspirants to give serious consideration to the emergence of a consensus senatorial candidate for the 2027 Kogi East Senatorial District election.

In a press statement made available to journalists in Abuja, the veteran journalist, Mr I. D. Ijele, urged the Igala/Bassa people of Kogi East to support the emergence of a single consensus candidate in the interest of peace, unity and progress in the area.

According to Mr Ijele, the political experiences involving Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Sunday Karimi provide important examples for discussions on political alignment and collective representation in Kogi State. He maintained that, as the 2027 elections approach, Kogi East must urgently and honestly consider the possibility of adopting a consensus arrangement for the senatorial election.

He stressed that the idea of adopting a consensus candidate is not intended to undermine the credibility or ambitions of other aspirants. Rather, it is about recognising that, beyond individual political ambitions, there is a greater collective interest that deserves attention.
In his words:

“We demonstrated something similar in 2023 when our own strong man, Alhaji Muritala Yakubu Ajaka, emerged as our consensus candidate, providing a rallying point for a collective political effort. I was initially in the Labour Party with Okeme, while Akpabana of the Accord Party was, on the other hand, urging me to join his campaign, but I opted for a consensus.

That event, to most of us, was a great successful outing for the Igala/Bassa people in the history of our recent political struggle against the tyrannical eight-year administration of Yahaya Bello in Kogi State.”
He further stated:

“However, I am not suggesting that other candidates are unqualified or undeserving. The question is whether our political leaders and aspirants are willing to consider a common platform, examine the capacity, experience, resources, leadership records and public acceptance of those seeking the mandate, and agree on a path that promotes unity.

“I am equally aware that every aspirant has supporters, many of whom may never encourage their preferred candidates to step aside, regardless of the wider consequences of prolonged political divisions. But leadership requires looking beyond the applause of supporters.

“To all aspirants: if you genuinely believe in the future of Igala and Bassa land, this is a moment to demonstrate that commitment through dialogue, sacrifice and political maturity.
“No ambition should be bigger than the collective interest of our people. No personal political aspiration should make unity impossible.

“Let us have an honest conversation, put the people first, and explore a peaceful consensus arrangement ahead of 2027.”
Mr Ijele categorically pointed out that HK is not just a friend but a brother.

However, he noted that he is a realist and, on that basis, appealed to HK’s conscience and love for the people of Kogi East to come to the roundtable with QS Aminu for the betterment of the area.
He maintained that, whether people like it or not, QS Aminu has already made his mark through numerous interventions and projects to his credit.

“Our strength must be in our unity, not in the number of candidates dividing our political space. Hence, QS Aminu stands tall in this fight against the Bello dynasty, which has been rejected by its own people but is still trying to lord it over Kogi East!” he stated.