Gov Ododo Urged To Respect Rotational Pact In Kogi Constituency

Stakeholders from Magongo community in Ogori-Magongo local government area have appealed to Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, to uphold the existing rotational political arrangement between Ogori and Magongo in the selection of their next representative in the state House of Assembly.

At a press conference, the group expressed concern about reports suggesting the government’s support for the return of the incumbent lawmaker, Bode Ogunmola, from Ogori community.

They argued that the move could disrupt the established power-sharing formula, which has guided political representation in the constituency for decades.

On behalf of the stakeholders, Prince Jordan A. Akpata, national president of the Magongo Development Association (MDA), said the rotational system had been instrumental in promoting fairness, inclusion and peaceful coexistence between the two communities.

He added that the arrangement, covering both elective and appointive positions at local and state levels, had ensured balance and prevented marginalisation.

Akpata listed past beneficiaries from both communities, noting that the tradition had been respected by successive administrations and political actors.

“It is our principled position that it is now the turn of the Magongo community to produce the next member of the Kogi State House of Assembly,” Akpata stated, emphasising that the demand was rooted in equity and respect for existing agreements rather than opposition to the performance of the current lawmaker.

The stakeholders maintained that Magongo has a pool of competent individuals capable of effective representation and meaningful legislative contributions.

They appealed to Governor Ododo to preserve the rotational arrangement, support the emergence of a Magongo candidate, and encourage dialogue among stakeholders to sustain unity and political stability in the constituency.

The group warned that disregarding the established understanding could trigger avoidable political tension, urging the state government to prioritise justice and fairness in its decisions.