FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 17, 2026
KOGI EAST ’27: THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
As we prepare for tomorrow’s APC senatorial primary election for Kogi East, I believe it is important to speak directly to the people of our district, our supporters, stakeholders, and every Nigerian who has followed this journey with belief, hope, and goodwill.
First, I sincerely thank every Kogi Easterner who believed in this aspiration and in the possibility of a better future for our people. From the very beginning, this journey has always been about the people. It has always been about the future of Kogi East, the need to restore stronger relevance to our region, and the desire to see our people regain their rightful place in national conversations. And this is a journey that does not end here.
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I appreciate the wisdom of the Presidency in recommending consensus in states where agreement could be reached, and direct primaries where such became necessary. This reflects political maturity and respect for democratic participation within our great party. In the same spirit, I also respect the wisdom of the leadership of our party in Kogi State and whatever method the system finally adopts in arriving at its decision. Leadership comes with responsibility, and I deeply respect the difficult task placed on those guiding the affairs of our party.
As a loyal party man, I remain fully committed to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to the unity and progress of our great party. At the end of this process, I will stand with and support whoever emerges as the candidate of our party.
However, it must also be clearly said that no matter how tomorrow goes, I am not going anywhere. The conversations that have now started about the future of Kogi East will not end anytime soon, because the absence of those conversations has long been part of our challenge. For too long, our region remained quiet while opportunities, relevance, and visibility gradually moved away from us. Today, Kogi East needs all of us.
For the first time in a very long while, the politics and future of Kogi East have again become part of the national conversation through this 2027 senatorial race. Positive attention once more came to the Igala and Bassa people, their strength, intelligence, resilience, and enormous potential. That alone is something worth appreciating. And regardless of tomorrow’s outcome, this is only the beginning of a new chapter for a proud and beautiful people.
We need every voice, every idea, every contribution, and every sincere effort if we truly want to build the Kogi East we all desire. I will continue to remain available, committed, and dedicated to supporting that dream in every way possible.
At this point, I must specially appreciate the individuals whose support, encouragement, prayers, and belief made this journey memorable and meaningful.
I begin with my mother and political leader, Hajiya Halima Alfa, whose strength, sacrifices, prayers, and guidance continue to shape my life and convictions.
I also sincerely appreciate the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, for his encouragement and support.
My unreserved appreciation also goes to the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman; former First Lady of Nigeria, Hajiya Aisha Buhari; former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida; former Minister of Defence, General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, and his wife, Mrs Daisy Yakubu Danjuma; the APC National Vice Chairman (North East), Comrade Mustapha Salihu Dalori; the APC National Vice Chairman (North Central), Hon. Muazu Bawa Rijau; and every other individual whose support and goodwill made this journey one I will always value.
I also sincerely appreciate the national leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), under the leadership of its National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.
Finally, I appreciate the leadership of the APC in Kogi State under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, and His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for their leadership and continued commitment to the growth and stability of our party in the state.
May Almighty Allah SWT continue to guide our leaders, bless Kogi East, and strengthen our great party.
Thank you all.
Signed:
Dr. Mahmoud Bala Alfa,
APC Aspirant,
Kogi East Senatorial District.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, MAY 18TH 2026)
