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2027: PDP Repositions for Victory, Endorses Elephant, Okolo, and Ukwenya in Kogi East
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Kogi East have officially endorsed Alhaji Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as “Elephant,” as the consensus candidate for the Kogi East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement followed extensive consultations among party leaders, stakeholders, youth groups, and women representatives across the nine local government areas of Kogi East.
Speaking during the endorsement gathering, stakeholders described Alhaji Abdullahi as a grassroots politician whose contributions to humanity and community development have earned him widespread support and confidence among party faithful.
One of the PDP leaders, Barr. Kabiru Usman, said the endorsement was based on merit, loyalty, and Abdullahi’s consistent commitment to the unity and growth of the party in Kogi East.
According to him, “Alhaji Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as Elephant, has continually demonstrated leadership, generosity, and dedication to the welfare of the people. His endorsement reflects the confidence the PDP has in his ability to provide quality representation for Kogi East.”
Political observers in the district noted that Abdullahi’s popularity has continued to grow due to his philanthropic activities and empowerment programmes, which have positively affected several communities across Kogi East.
The PDP consensus candidate recently drew commendation after purchasing nomination forms for 11 State House of Assembly aspirants across the district. The gesture was widely regarded as unprecedented and a strong demonstration of his support for youth inclusion and political participation.
Party supporters explained that the intervention was aimed at encouraging competent and credible young politicians to participate actively in politics without financial constraints.
A youth leader in Ankpa, Suleiman Abubakar, described the move as “an uncommon act of political mentorship and selflessness.”
“At a time when many politicians focus only on themselves, Elephant chose to invest in the political dreams of others by purchasing forms for 11 House of Assembly aspirants. This clearly shows the kind of leadership he intends to offer,” he stated.
Speaking on his plans for Kogi East, Alhaji Abdullahi promised to prioritize youth empowerment, human capital development, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and economic growth if elected into the Senate in 2027.
He also pledged to promote laws and policies that would create opportunities for all sectors to thrive without unnecessary obstacles.
On the issue of solid minerals, which are abundant in Kogi East, Abdullahi assured the people that he would collaborate with relevant agencies and committees to ensure that proceeds from mineral exploration directly benefit the people of the district. He also promised to encourage local utilization of mineral resources for the overall development of the region.
He maintained that his ambition is driven by a genuine desire to restore purposeful leadership and effective representation to Kogi East.
Also endorsed by the party were House of Representatives aspirants for Bassa/Dekina and Idah/Ibaji/Ofu/Igalamela-Odolu Federal Constituencies.
Rt. Hon. Benjamin Ikani Okolo received the endorsement for Bassa/Dekina Federal Constituency. He is a former Executive Chairman of Dekina Local Government Area and also a former member of the House of Representatives who represented the constituency.
Similarly, Hon. Paul Ukwenya was endorsed for Idah/Ibaji/Ofu/Igalamela-Odolu Federal Constituency.
Hon. Paul Ukwenya hails from the renowned Ukwenya family in the historic town of Idah, headquarters of the Igala Kingdom in Kogi State. He began his education at St. Boniface Primary School, Idah, before proceeding to St. Peter’s College, Idah, where he distinguished himself academically.
He later attended the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, where he obtained both his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND). He subsequently participated in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme with the Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Abuja, during the 1999/2000 service year.
Driven by academic excellence, Paul Ukwenya later earned a Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Business Administration from Lagos State University (LASU) in 2005 and obtained a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Kogi State University, Anyigba, now Prince Abubakar Audu University, in 2016.
During his academic years, he held several leadership positions, including President of the Students Union Government at Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Director of Protocol at the Rotary Club, Games Prefect at St. Peter’s College, and Time-Keeper at St. Boniface Primary School, Idah.
Professionally, Hon. Paul Ukwenya worked with several reputable organisations, including Veteran Security Services Limited, Pargel Nigeria Limited, Network Security Consults Limited, and Lounge One Foods and Farms Ltd.
His political career has also seen him serve as Liaison Officer II, Vice Chairman, and Executive Chairman of Idah Local Government Area. He also served as Chairman of the Kogi State Town Planning and Development Board.
In the PDP, he served on the party’s Caretaker Committee and later became the State Financial Secretary of the party.
Supporters describe Hon. Paul Ukwenya as a grassroots-oriented and dependable leader, expressing confidence that he would provide quality representation and people-focused leadership if elected.
The Zonal Chairman of the PDP in Kogi East, Hon. Igagwu Idris, described all the endorsed candidates as individuals of integrity who have contributed immensely to the development of both the people and the party.
He added that party executives and leaders across the zone were united in support of all the endorsed candidates, stressing that the PDP in Kogi East is now speaking with one voice ahead of the 2027 elections.
Confluence News reporting from Idah, headquarters of the Igala Kingdom.
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