By joshua 
Kogi East Forum Says 2011 Move Against Echocho Was Right Call, Cites Latest Political Developments as Proof
The Kogi East Elite’s Forum [KEEP] has declared that recent political developments in Kogi East have vindicated the 2011 decision by former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, to deny Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] governorship ticket.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Hon. Amade Edime, the Forum said what was once viewed as a difficult and divisive decision has, in hindsight, proven to be an act of foresight aimed at preserving stability within Kogi East and the state at large.
KEEP recalled that during the PDP governorship primary in January 2011, Echocho initially emerged victorious with the backing of Governor Ibrahim Idris and the state’s political machinery. However, faced with what it described as an emerging political risk capable of destabilising governance and undermining cohesion, the governor withdrew his support and backed Capt. Idris Ichala Wada, who went on to win the rescheduled primary and later became governor.
The Forum said leaked audio recordings from that period, in which Echocho allegedly made threatening remarks against the former governor and spoke of political retaliation over the arrest and prosecution of his associates by the EFCC, reinforced the concerns that informed Idris’ decision.
“History has now begun to validate the fears and concerns that shaped the 2011 political calculations,” Hon. Edime stated.
KEEP argued that the outcome of the 2026 APC senatorial primary, in which Senator Echocho lost his re-election bid to Chief Dr. Joseph Erico Ameh, alongside subsequent political maneuvers, has brought to the fore the same issues of trust, leadership disposition, and stakeholder confidence that shaped the former governor’s position 15 years ago.
The group commended Ibrahim Idris for what it called courage and commitment to safeguarding the political future of Kogi East at a critical moment.
“We view Senator Echocho’s recent statements as an open display of political disloyalty and ingratitude,” the Forum said. “It is on record that former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello rescued Senator Echocho from political obscurity and fully sponsored him to the Senate on two occasions. For the senator to now turn around and plot confrontation against the sitting governor, who is sustaining the legacies and continuity agenda of the same administration, shows contempt for the system that revived him politically.”
The Forum referenced a viral video in which Echocho allegedly referenced his loyalty and support to Governor Ododo and former Governor Yahaya Bello, while claiming that his political structures and empowerment initiatives in Kogi East were critical to the electoral success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governor’s second-term ambition.
KEEP said the senator also accused the Kogi State Government of manipulating the senatorial primary, alleging that results were predetermined at the Government House. The Forum said the tone and content of the remarks, particularly the declaration that “the battle line has been drawn,” reinforced concerns about political temperament and the risks of power struggles that informed the 2011 decision.
“The unfolding political developments and public utterances following the APC primary have only strengthened the belief that the concerns which shaped the difficult decisions of 2011 were not misplaced,” the statement read.
KEEP also challenged Echocho’s assertion that his structures remain the primary force capable of guaranteeing APC and presidential victories in Kogi East. The group said available electoral records do not support the claim.
It noted that in the 2019 off-cycle governorship election, then-incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello suffered setbacks in parts of Kogi East despite Echocho’s influence. A similar pattern, it added, played out in 2023 when Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo recorded disappointing outcomes across key areas of the zone.
The Forum contrasted this with 2015, when APC, then a relatively new platform, defeated the ruling party in Kogi State — a result it said showed that success in Kogi East has historically been driven by collective party effort, strategic leadership, and broader stakeholder alignment rather than any single structure.
“Political influence must be measured by verifiable outcomes and electoral realities, not rhetoric. The historical voting pattern in Kogi East raises legitimate questions regarding claims of exclusive political dominance or indispensability,” KEEP stated.
The Forum called on political actors to pursue grievances through lawful democratic channels and avoid rhetoric capable of escalating tension, stressing that peace, unity, and stability must remain paramount ahead of future elections.
“Leadership is often defined by the difficult decisions leaders are willing to make in moments of uncertainty. Former Governor Ibrahim Idris demonstrated uncommon political courage by placing the long-term interest of Kogi East above personal relationships and immediate political convenience,” KEEP said.
The group described Idris as a statesman whose decisions, though sometimes misunderstood, were guided by the need to ensure peace and sustainable political development in Kogi East. It urged stakeholders and the younger generation to embrace unity, responsible leadership, and development-driven politics.
“As Kogi East and Kogi State prepare for future electoral contests, there is a need for all genuine stakeholders to prioritise the collective interest of the people, strengthen democratic values, and support credible leadership capable of sustaining peace, inclusion, and development,” the Forum added.