A two-day summit in Kogi State, organized by the Kogi Unity Accord, has concluded with stakeholders endorsing a rotational arrangement for political power. The summit, held from September 30 to October 1, 2026, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, and various socio-cultural organizations. The majority of delegates supported an eight-year rotational arrangement, with 2032 proposed as the commencement date. This would allow Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to complete his constitutionally guaranteed second term, if re-elected.
The summit's communiqué, issued at the end of the gathering, stated that power rotation could serve as a mechanism for promoting fairness, unity, and a stronger sense of belonging among the people of Kogi State. However, the proposed 2032 commencement date was not universally supported. Some delegates and organizations called for power to move to Kogi West immediately after the expiration of the incumbent governor's tenure. They argued that Kogi West had not produced a governor since the creation of the state and should be considered in the next succession arrangement.
The Christian Association of Nigeria representative at the summit advocated for an equitable rotational arrangement that would see power move to Kogi West after the incumbent's tenure. The representative also expressed a preference for a Christian governor, citing ethnic and religious considerations. This highlights the continuing debate over both the timing and structure of power rotation in the state. The summit acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not expressly provide for the rotation of governorship among senatorial districts.
The Kogi State House of Assembly has expressed willingness to consider legislation providing a framework for power rotation. Speaker Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf said the legislature would take into account the views of stakeholders in the legislative process. If enacted, such legislation could provide an institutional framework for a debate that has largely remained within the realm of political advocacy and convention. Governor Ododo, represented at the summit by Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), urged stakeholders to sustain political dialogue without compromising peace and stability in the state.
Ododo emphasized that Kogi's diversity should be viewed as a strength and called for greater trust, inclusive dialogue, and peaceful political engagement ahead of future elections. He also urged youths to reject political violence and encouraged political actors to resolve differences through dialogue. Chairman of the summit, Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (Rtd.), described the gathering as an important step in addressing questions of political inclusion and succession in the state.
The summit recommended the development of a Kogi Charter of Equity and Inclusion to guide political participation, representation, and peaceful engagement across the state. It also proposed a follow-up mechanism, expansion of the Kogi Unity Accord, establishment of zonal structures, and continued consultations across Kogi East, Kogi Central, and Kogi West. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, professional associations, and community organizations were urged to remain engaged in the process.
The summit further called for the protection of minority tribes and communities against political marginalization, while urging that elective offices and political appointments reflect equitable representation and the spirit of federal character. The communiqué stressed that the resolutions should be regarded as the beginning of a sustained dialogue rather than the conclusion of the power-rotation debate. With the majority of delegates backing an eight-year rotation beginning in 2032, while some stakeholders advocate an earlier transfer of power to Kogi West, political succession and the structure of power-sharing are set to remain major issues in Kogi's political discourse.
Key points
- The summit endorsed a rotational arrangement for political power, with majority favoring Governor Ododo's second term before rotation begins in 2032.
- Some stakeholders advocated for power to move to Kogi West immediately after the expiration of the incumbent governor's tenure.
- The Kogi State House of Assembly is prepared to consider legislation providing a framework for power rotation.
