By Nnasom David

Stakeholders from Kogi State’s three senatorial districts have expressed support for a rotational approach to political power, with the majority of views presented at the maiden Kogi State Power Rotation Summit favouring the commencement of the arrangement in 2032.

The position formed part of the resolutions reached at the two-day summit held on September 30 and October 1, 2026, at the Kay Galaxy Event Centre in Lokoja, under the theme, “Retooling Kogi for Unity, Equity and Shared Prosperity.”

The summit, convened by the Kogi Unity Accord, brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, community and socio-cultural organisations, professionals, organised labour, youths, students and civil society representatives.

In its communiqué issued at the end of the summit on October 1, the organisers said most of the views expressed by participants favoured an eight-year rotational arrangement, with implementation proposed to begin in 2032.

The communiqué said the proposed timeline would allow for further legislation, consultations and development of an appropriate legal framework, while any transition would remain subject to constitutional, electoral and democratic processes.

The summit recognised power rotation as a possible mechanism for promoting fairness, unity, peaceful coexistence and a stronger sense of belonging among residents of the state.

It also stressed that considerations of competence, integrity, capacity, accountability and leadership ability should remain relevant in any political arrangement.

“The Summit recognised that power rotation could serve as a mechanism for promoting fairness, unity, peaceful coexistence and a stronger sense of belonging among the people of Kogi State,” the communiqué stated.

The summit further recommended the development of a broad-based framework for political inclusion and equitable participation involving the three senatorial districts and other stakeholders.

It called for the proposed framework to be subjected to further consultations across Kogi East, Kogi Central and Kogi West before a final position is adopted.

While most of the views reported in the communiqué favoured commencement of rotation in 2032, some delegates and organisations advocated an earlier transfer of political power to Kogi West.

President of the Okun Development Association, Amb. Rotimi Akenson, argued in favour of an Okun candidate succeeding the incumbent governor at the expiration of the governor’s tenure.

Akenson said Kogi West had not produced a governor since the creation of the state and maintained that the senatorial district should be considered in the next phase of political succession.

Similarly, a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at the summit supported a rotational arrangement that would see political power move to Kogi West after the expiration of the incumbent governor’s tenure.

The CAN representative also advocated consideration of a Christian candidate, citing what the representative described as ethnic and religious considerations.

The positions formed part of several views presented during the summit, with participants differing on the timing and structure of any power-rotation arrangement.

A major development at the summit came from the Kogi State House of Assembly, with the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, saying the legislature was prepared to consider legislation providing a framework for power rotation.

Yusuf said the issue would require careful deliberation, adding that the views of stakeholders would be considered in the legislative process.

Any such legislation, if introduced and enacted, would provide an institutional framework for a debate that has so far largely centred on political advocacy and convention.

The communiqué also acknowledged that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, does not expressly prescribe rotation of the governorship among senatorial districts. It therefore recommended that any eventual arrangement should operate through lawful political, democratic and institutional processes.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, represented at the summit by Commodore Jerry Omodara (Rtd.), urged stakeholders to pursue political dialogue without compromising peace in the state.

The governor said Kogi’s diversity should be treated as a source of strength and called on stakeholders to build trust, promote peace and encourage inclusive dialogue as the state approaches another electoral cycle.

Ododo also urged young people to reject political violence and encouraged stakeholders to pursue peaceful engagement and constructive dialogue.

The summit chairman, Vice Admiral Joseph Ajayi (Rtd.), described the dialogue as important to Kogi’s political development and called for a structured framework to promote inclusion and reduce political tensions and ethnic divisions.

Former Deputy Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Sir Kehinde Ejibunu, who participated in the summit, also urged stakeholders to consider the political aspirations of minority groups in discussions on power-sharing arrangements.

“We want the state to be together; we don’t want it to be set ablaze,” he said.

Among other resolutions, the summit proposed the development of a Kogi Charter of Equity and Inclusion to guide political participation, peaceful engagement and representation across the state.

It also recommended the establishment of a follow-up mechanism, expansion of the Kogi Unity Accord, creation of zonal structures and further consultations across the three senatorial districts.

Traditional rulers, religious leaders, women, youths, professional groups, political actors and community organisations were urged to remain involved in the process.

The communiqué further called for measures to ensure that minority tribes and communities are represented in political participation and appointments, in line with the principle of equitable representation and the spirit of federal character.

The summit stressed that its resolutions should serve as the beginning of a sustained process rather than the conclusion of discussions on power rotation.

The proposed 2032 commencement date, alongside calls from some participants for an earlier shift of political power to Kogi West, leaves the timing and structure of any rotational arrangement subject to further consultation and political processes.