Ukomu Igala Urges Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections »

The National Leader of Ukomu Igala Organisation, Major General James Alilu Ataguba (rtd), PhD, has urged political leaders, candidates and supporters in Kogi East to embrace political tolerance, reject violence and prioritise the region’s collective interests ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ataguba also cautioned political actors against using the collective identity of the Igala nation, the Bassa people and the wider Kogi East constituency to advance partisan interests without broad-based consultation.

In a public notice addressed to the people of Kogi East, the retired general said the leadership of Ukomu Igala and other stakeholders had spent more than a year working to bridge divisions, rebuild trust and restore the region’s dignity and political influence.

He warned that the progress made towards unity should not be undermined by political rivalries and disagreements as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.

“As the road to 2027 opens before us, we must set a firm, intelligent standard for how political business will be conducted in Kogi East,” Ataguba said.

He stressed that freedom of political association was a constitutional right that must be respected, regardless of party affiliation or electoral preference.

The Ukomu Igala leader called on political actors to reject intimidation, harassment, threats and political thuggery, arguing that electoral competition should be based on ideas, performance and credible development plans rather than violence.

Ataguba specifically expressed concern over reported incidents of political thuggery and violence in Ejule, Ofu Local Government Area, warning against allowing such developments to become a precedent in Kogi State.

“Politics in Kogi East must be a battle of superior ideas, proven track records and vision, not a display of raw criminal force or suppression,” he stated.

He further maintained that individuals and political groups had the right to endorse candidates of their choice but should not claim to speak for the entire Igala nation, the Bassa people or Kogi East without legitimate consultation.

According to him, the region must protect its collective bargaining power and avoid political arrangements that sacrifice long-term interests for immediate relevance or narrow partisan gains.

On the 2027 elections, Ataguba described Kogi East as a significant electoral constituency with more than 1.1 million registered voters, arguing that its electoral strength should translate into concrete commitments to socio-economic development.

He disclosed that a team of non-partisan, qualified and trusted leaders would, in due course, undertake a systematic assessment of the manifestos, track records and policy commitments of candidates seeking the region’s endorsement.

Representatives of presidential candidates would also be invited to present their proposals directly to representatives of the constituency, allowing the people to assess their commitments and development plans.

Ataguba said the proposed initiative was intended to promote strategic, evidence-based electoral engagement and strengthen Kogi East’s ability to negotiate for its socio-economic interests.

He urged residents to sustain constructive political engagement despite differences in party affiliation, stressing that their shared heritage and development aspirations should take precedence over partisan divisions.

“Our political affiliations will differ, but our heritage, dignity and socio-economic prosperity are inseparably bound together,” he said.

The Ukomu Igala leader also urged voters to demand substance over political spectacle, assess candidates based on character and performance, and insist on credible development roadmaps.

He said unity, strategic thinking and deliberate political engagement were essential to strengthening Kogi East’s position in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.