Published by Jija-Bokoti Media
LOKOJA, Kogi State — October 8, 2026
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged the people of the state to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support his administration has provided to Kogi, calling on residents to demonstrate their appreciation through continued political support for the President and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Governor Ododo made the call on Thursday when he received members of Team Yomikola, a political structure led by former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Prince Matthew Kolawole, at the Government House in Lokoja. The governor commended the group for its loyalty to the APC and its commitment to political mobilisation, unity and engagement at the grassroots.
According to Ododo, the Tinubu administration has strengthened the capacity of state governments by making more resources available for development. He argued that the increased resources have enabled his administration to pursue infrastructure and other projects intended to improve the lives of residents. He therefore urged Kogites to recognise the Federal Government’s contributions to the state and not allow partisan disagreements or misinformation to overshadow discussions about its interventions.
The governor specifically cited the ongoing transformation of the Abaji–Koton Karfe–Lokoja–Benin Expressway, describing the road project as a major federal intervention with significance for transportation, commerce and connectivity. He noted that the route had experienced years of neglect before receiving renewed attention under the Tinubu administration.
Ododo also commended the President for responding to security concerns raised by his government. He said Tinubu had facilitated contact with key security officials, including the Department of State Services, the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff, whenever the state required federal assistance. The governor attributed the relative peace being experienced in parts of Kogi to cooperation between state authorities and federal security institutions.
“Let us show appreciation. We should let people know that Kogi people appreciate good things. We are not ungrateful people,” the governor said, urging residents to support Tinubu and the APC. His remarks formed part of a broader appeal for political support ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ododo also urged members of Team Yomikola to preserve unity within the party and resist attempts by politicians to set members against one another. He described the APC’s ability to accommodate different interests as important to sustaining its political structure in Kogi State.
In his remarks, former Speaker Matthew Kolawole said his decision to step aside from a political contest in the interest of the party was motivated by loyalty, peace and the broader interests of the constituency. He explained that the more than 400 people present at the meeting represented only part of the wider Team Yomikola network operating across polling units in Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency.
Kolawole outlined plans for further mobilisation, including engagements with traditional rulers and community leaders, a Kogi Summit, town-hall meetings, street sensitisation and empowerment programmes across the constituency. He also appealed to the governor to consider members of the political structure for appointments, noting that many had remained committed to the APC over the years.
Other speakers at the meeting included Kabba-Bunu Local Government Chairman, Hon. (Barr.) Zacchaeus Dare Michael, and APC stakeholder from Ijumu Local Government, Hon. Adam Kamaldeen Toyin. They highlighted the group’s grassroots reach and called for continued engagement between the state government and political stakeholders.
The meeting underscored the importance of party cohesion and grassroots mobilisation in Kogi’s political landscape as preparations for the 2027 elections continue. The governor’s appeal centred on his administration’s view that federal support for infrastructure, security and state finances should be acknowledged by residents, while Team Yomikola pledged to take the message to communities across the constituency.