By joshua Okun Governorship Is Achievable Through Strategy, Unity and Historic Alliance with Ebira Nation — Hon. Amodu Abubakar
The Senior Special Assistant to the Kogi State Governor on Grassroots Mobilisation, Hon. Amodu Abubakar, has declared that the aspiration for an Okun governor is both realistic and achievable, provided it is pursued with strategic political engagement, sustained unity, and the consolidation of the long-standing relationship between the Okun and Ebira people dating back to the era of the old Kwara State.
Speaking on the political future of Kogi State, Hon. Amodu stressed that the quest for the governorship should not be driven by emotions or divisive rhetoric but by pragmatic political calculations, coalition building, and a clearly defined roadmap capable of delivering electoral victory.
According to him, history has demonstrated that enduring political success is built on trust, strategic alliances, and mutual respect among critical stakeholders. He noted that the age-long bond between the Okun and Ebira ethnic nationalities remains one of the strongest political assets that should be strengthened in the interest of equity, justice, and sustainable power sharing.
He maintained that the Okun nation is richly blessed with an array of distinguished sons and daughters possessing the competence, experience, credibility, and leadership capacity to govern Kogi State successfully whenever the opportunity presents itself.
“Okun is not lacking in qualified personalities. We have eminent leaders across politics, governance, business, academia, and the private sector who possess the vision and capacity to move Kogi State to greater heights. What is required is strategic planning, unity of purpose, and political maturity,” he stated.
Hon. Amodu also spoke on the growing calls for the Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, to contest the Kogi State governorship, describing the respected federal lawmaker as one of Okun’s most outstanding ambassadors on the national stage.
He acknowledged that Hon. Faleke has continued to distinguish himself through exceptional legislative performance, quality representation, and impactful national service, making the Okun nation proud across the country.
However, he argued that persistent agitation for Faleke to abandon his established national political responsibilities to pursue the governorship at this time would amount to an unnecessary distraction.
“Hon. James Abiodun Faleke remains one of the finest political exports of Okun land. His contributions at the national level have continued to elevate the image of our people. Rather than distracting him from his strategic national assignment, we should continue to appreciate and support his remarkable service,” he said.
The grassroots mobilisation expert further dismissed claims that prominent Okun sons and daughters supporting Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s second-term bid are acting against the interests of the Okun nation.
He explained that such support is rooted in sound political reasoning, strategic calculation, and the enduring principles of reciprocity and brotherhood that have historically guided relations between the Central and Western Senatorial Districts.
According to him, the Ebira people had consistently championed the cause of power shift and political inclusion over the years, and it is only just and honourable for the Okun people to reciprocate that solidarity by supporting Governor Ododo to complete his constitutional second term.
He added that this approach would strengthen mutual trust and provide a stronger moral and political foundation for the Central Senatorial District to support the emergence of an Okun governor thereafter.
“This is not about surrendering our aspiration. It is about pursuing it wisely. Politics is built on relationships, understanding, and strategic timing. Supporting Governor Ododo’s second term today will reinforce the spirit of brotherhood and significantly strengthen the case for an Okun governor at the appropriate time,” Hon. Amodu emphasized.
He therefore appealed to political leaders, youth groups, professionals, traditional institutions, and socio-cultural organisations across Okun land to avoid internal divisions capable of weakening the collective aspiration for the state’s highest office.
He urged all stakeholders to place the larger interest of the Okun nation above personal ambitions by speaking with one voice, building consensus, and engaging other sections of Kogi State through constructive dialogue and strategic political partnerships.
Hon. Amodu concluded that unity remains the greatest political capital available to the Okun people, expressing confidence that with discipline, strategic engagement, and sustained collaboration with sister ethnic groups, the long-cherished dream of producing an Okun governor would become a reality at the appropriate time.