Politics
2027 Politics: Eggon Forum Seeks Restraint, Collective Interest
As the countdown to the 2027 governorship and other elective positions approaches, the Eggon Forum has continued to caution against acts capable of causing disunity among sons and daughters of the Eggon Nation.
The forum, in a statement by Haruna Ali Alaku and Bashayi A. Umbugaku Keffi, made available to journalists, warned against divisive politics and personal interests.
“We wish to draw the attention of Eggon sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, as well as the general public, to reports of a proposed political endorsement by a group masquerading as Eggon critical stakeholders in the coming days.
“While we respect the constitutional right of every individual and group to participate in political activities and express their preferences, we are concerned with the emergence of an initiative presented as a fresh or parallel endorsement on behalf of the Eggon people.
“This could create unnecessary confusion and division at a time when unity and collective purpose are particularly crucial.
“It is important to emphasize that this concern is not directed at any individual or political aspirant.
Rather, it is about protecting the unity and collective interest of the Eggon people and ensuring that political differences do not become a divisive instrument within the community and in the hands of those against our collective interest,” the statement declared.
It would be recalled that the Eggon Political Forum, a broad platform with representation across the three senatorial zones and among Eggon people in the diaspora, has already taken a position in the 2027 governorship contest with an endorsement of Rt. Hon. Dr. David Emmanuel Ombugadu as its sole candidate, a decision that has generated significant support within and beyond the Eggon community.
The position taken by the forum was based, among other considerations, on the belief that the Eggon people should pursue the governorship at this time rather than settle for the position of deputy governor.
“We therefore believe that any subsequent attempt to present a different position as a fresh ‘Eggon consensus’ should be approached with caution, particularly where it has the potential to create the impression that the Eggon people are divided over a matter on which a representative platform has already expressed a position.
“Our appeal is for restraint, dialogue and respect for the collective aspirations of the Eggon people.
“The 2027 political contest presents the Eggon Nation with an important opportunity to pursue its long-standing aspiration for greater political leadership in Nasarawa State. That opportunity, in our view, requires unity of purpose, strategic thinking and a willingness to place the broader interest of the people above individual political preferences.
“It is equally important to recognize that political support is not the exclusive property of any individual, group or platform.
Every Eggon son and daughter retains the right to support the candidate or political party of their choice. However, such individual choices should not be presented as the collective position of the entire Eggon Nation without broad consultation and demonstrable consensus.
“We therefore call on all Eggon stakeholders, political leaders, elders, youths, women and community voices to avoid actions or statements capable of deepening divisions within the community.
“The Eggon people have a responsibility not only to themselves but also to other indigenous communities in Nasarawa State that may be looking to the Eggon for leadership and direction in the emerging political landscape.
“For this reason, we urge everyone involved in the purported parallel counter to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue rather than parallel declarations that could create avoidable confusion.
“The issue before the Eggon people should not be about the political interest of a few individuals. It should be about what best advances the collective aspirations, unity, dignity and political future of the Eggon Nation.
“We respectfully urge Eggon sons and daughters, at home and abroad, to treat any purported parallel endorsement with caution and to seek clarification on the mandate, representation and consultation process behind such an initiative.
“Eggon unity must remain the priority. Individual political interests should never be allowed to overwhelm the collective aspiration of the people.”