A coalition of socio-cultural organisations from Kogi East Senatorial District has distanced itself from what it described as divisive tribal rhetoric ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state.
In a worded statement issued on Monday, the groups faulted remarks credited to Senator Sunday Karimi of Kogi West during the 2025 Kabba Day Cultural Celebration, accusing him of promoting an agenda that threatens the unity and peace of Kogi State.
The coalition described Karimi’s claim that Kogi West is “engaging” with Kogi East to “hijack leadership” as false, dangerous, and capable of sowing discord among the state’s ethnic groups.
“No authentic representative body from Kogi East has entered into any alliance to hijack the governorship,” the statement read. “Kogi thrives on unity, not divisive politics.”
The joint release was signed by leaders of several prominent bodies, including the Kogi East Movement for Consolidation, Igala Think Tank, Bassa Progressive Union, and the Igala Professionals Association, among others.
They cautioned that tribal sentiments could derail the state’s fragile peace, urging Senator Karimi to retract his comments and focus instead on developmental initiatives that transcend zonal politics.
The coalition reaffirmed its commitment to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration, commending his ongoing infrastructural and healthcare projects in Kogi East, such as the Idah township and Ibaji roads, as well as the rehabilitation of healthcare centres across the district.
They described Ododo’s leadership as inclusive, people-centred, and worthy of continuity, stressing that the 2027 governorship election should be about performance and unity, not ethnicity.
“Governor Ododo’s strides have rekindled hope in good governance,” the statement said. “His re-election for consolidation is the unanimous resolution of Kogi East.”
The groups reiterated that Kogi State belongs equally to all its people — Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa, and others — and urged all citizens to reject politicians who weaponise ethnicity for personal gain.
“Let us build bridges, not walls; foster unity, not strife,” they declared.
