The political temperature in Kogi State is rising early, fueled by the declaration of the influential Igala socio-cultural group, Igala Vanguards (IV), regarding the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The group has issued a stern and direct response to recent comments made by the Senator representing Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi, who reportedly suggested that Kogi West and Kogi East were in agreement on the possibility of an Okun (Kogi West) candidate securing the 2027 gubernatorial ticket.
In a strongly worded statement, the Igala Vanguards firmly stated that Kogi East is very much in the race for the 2027 governorship. The statement, signed by the group’s spokesperson, Engr. Lawrence Akpa, called on Senator Karimi to “stop overheating the politics” as the 2027 election is still a considerable distance away.
Call for Mutual Respect and an End to Negligence Engr. Akpa emphasized that the Kogi West Senator should refrain from placing the Kogi East region under “needless pressure.”
The Vanguards highlighted the region’s historical political suffering, warning against politicians who claim to have “Aso Rock connection” but ultimately fail to deliver.
“Kogi East has suffered enough political negligence,” the statement read. “We cannot wait for another 16 or 14 years any longer.”
The Igala Vanguards made it clear that while they are open to forming alliances, any such arrangement “will be on mutual ground and respects.” They stressed that the region is seeking a mutual political negotiation that will ensure power returns to the East in a timely manner. They also issued a sharp caution that “nobody should come and use the region for political negotiations” to serve personal or narrow interests.
Warning to Abuja-Based Stakeholders
Furthermore, the group directed a significant warning towards Igala stakeholders residing in Abuja, whom they claim are disconnected from the grassroots reality. The Vanguards urged these individuals to “stop forming any political alliance that retrogresses the region,” demanding that any political moves be in the true interest of the Kogi East populace.
The declaration by the Igala Vanguards serves as a clear indication that Kogi East is mobilizing and will be a major, independent force in the political calculations leading up to the 2027 gubernatorial contest, effectively challenging any assumed alignment with other senatorial districts.
