A former Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has called for the 2028 governorship seat to be zoned to Kogi West. He made this appeal in a statement released in Lokoja on Monday, September 28, 2026. Ohikere, also the Convener of the Coalition for Better Kogi State, emphasized that continued exclusion of Kogi West from the governorship could undermine equity, justice, and political stability in the state.
According to Ohikere, Kogi East and Kogi Central have collectively held power for 27 years, while Kogi West has yet to produce a governor since the state's creation. He expressed his stance as an Ebira man from Okene, stating that he cannot defend the current imbalance, which he described as 17-12-0. Ohikere clarified that his position is based on fairness rather than ethnic considerations.
Ohikere stressed that the principle of rotation is necessary to promote justice, peace, and political stability in the state. He argued that Kogi West has demonstrated sufficient human and economic resources to lead the state. The district hosts the state capital, Lokoja, as well as major economic assets and diverse communities, which could provide a platform for greater unity among the three senatorial districts.
The former commissioner rejected the proposed Kogi Unity and Power Rotation Summit scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2026. He described it as a gathering organized by serving government officials rather than a neutral stakeholders' forum. Ohikere argued that serving commissioners, special advisers, and senior special assistants cannot objectively moderate a debate on power rotation because they are beneficiaries of the existing political structure.
Ohikere said the Coalition for Better Kogi State would not participate in the planned summit, describing it as a potential avenue for delaying the discussion on power rotation to Kogi West. Instead, the coalition will organize a "Kogi Equity, Unity and Rotation National Summit" in Abuja in the third week of October 2026. Kabba has been proposed as an alternative viewing center for the summit.
The proposed citizens' summit aims to bring together stakeholders, particularly from Kogi East and Kogi West, as well as individuals from Kogi Central who support equity. The summit will seek to develop a "Kogi Charter of Equity" to be presented to political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other stakeholders.
Ohikere maintained that political rotation is not a constitutional requirement but argued that zoning and political agreements remain part of Nigeria's political practice. He urged political parties to consider the principle of equity in determining their candidates for the 2028 governorship election, emphasizing that Kogi East has governed, Kogi Central has governed, but Kogi West has not.
Key points
- Dr. Tom Ohikere calls for the 2028 Kogi State governorship to be zoned to Kogi West.
- Ohikere rejects the proposed Kogi Unity and Power Rotation Summit.
- The Coalition for Better Kogi State will organize an alternative summit in Abuja.
