By Nnasom David

Lokoja, Nigeria — Government appointees in Kogi State have thrown their weight behind the second-term ambitions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, unveiling a new campaign structure named the Kogi Continuity Mandate to drive their support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a world press conference in Lokoja, the Chairman of the Combined State Government Appointees Forum and also Chairman of the Forum of Special Advisers to the Governor, Hon. Bode Adeyemi, said the endorsement was necessary due to the “exceptional performance” of the Tinubu-led administration in the past two years.

He highlighted improvements in the economy, infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare, crediting the administration’s policies for stabilising Nigeria and positioning it for growth. Adeyemi cited the removal of fuel and forex subsidies, strengthened local government autonomy, and expanded infrastructure projects as achievements that require continuity.

The group also announced their backing for Governor Ododo’s re-election, describing him as a “humane leader” whose inclusive governance style has driven rapid development in Kogi State. They pledged to mobilize at least 239,000 votes for Tinubu and Ododo in the next election cycle.

To coordinate campaign activities, the appointees launched the Kogi Continuity Mandate, with Governor Ododo named Grand Patron, Deputy Governor Joel Salifu as Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and other top state officials including the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Folashade Ayoade, and Accountant General, Dr. Habiba Onumoko, among others, occupying key positions in the new organization.

The forum also named Hon. Siyaka Adabenege, Auditor General for Local Governments, as Grand Chairman of the Combined Forum, with Hon. Bode Adeyemi serving as overall Chairman. The group further established three operational committees: Political, Pet Projects, and Media, to drive grassroots mobilization across Kogi’s 329 wards.

The formation of the Kogi Consolidation Mandate was also announced as a political vehicle for mass mobilization across the state, affirming their commitment to deliver a decisive mandate for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.