Kogi West/Okunland Must Not Miscalculate, Employ Best Strategy to Get to Lugard House with Ease — Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji
By Samuel Temiloluwa
A prominent political stakeholder in Kogi State, Asiwaju Prince Olatunji Olusoji, has urged the people of Kogi West Senatorial District and the entire Okunland to adopt a strategic approach to the state’s evolving political landscape, saying the region must avoid miscalculations in its quest to produce the next governor of Kogi State.
Olusoji, while speaking on the political future of Kogi West and the need for a united approach to the 2027 political cycle, appealed to the people of the district to continue supporting the administration of Governor Usman Ododo, arguing that such support would be strategically important to the region’s long-term aspiration of producing the governor of the state.
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According to him, Okunland should look beyond immediate political interests and consider the broader objective of positioning the Western Senatorial District for the governorship in 2031.
He said the people of Kogi West must understand the importance of political strategy, patience and building relationships across the state, stressing that the journey to Lugard House should be approached with careful calculation rather than unnecessary confrontation.
«“Kogi West and Okunland must not miscalculate. We must employ the best strategy to get to Lugard House with ease. We need to understand the political realities and make decisions that will protect our collective interest today and position us strongly for tomorrow.”»
Olusoji maintained that supporting Governor Ododo for a second term, according to the political arrangement he advocated, would create an opportunity for Kogi West to pursue its governorship ambition in 2031.
He urged Okun people not to allow immediate political sentiments to overshadow the bigger picture, saying political power requires strategic alliances, patience, negotiation and the ability to build trust among stakeholders.
“2031 Will Be the Turn of the West”
The political stakeholder expressed optimism that 2031 could provide a historic opportunity for Kogi West to take its turn at the Lugard House, provided the people remain united and adopt what he described as the “best political strategy.”
He said the district must begin preparing for that future now by strengthening its political structures, promoting unity and building bridges with other senatorial districts.
“By 2031, it will be the turn of the Western Senatorial District. But we must work for it. It will not come by mere wishful thinking. We must be strategic, disciplined and united,” he said.
Olusoji further cautioned against internal divisions among Okun political actors, noting that the region’s greatest strength lies in its population, intellectual capacity, professionals, traditional institutions and politically conscious electorate.
He called on political leaders and aspirants to subordinate personal ambitions to the larger interest of Okunland, stressing that the region cannot afford to enter critical political contests divided.
Call for Unity and Strategic Engagement
According to him, the political future of Kogi West should not be determined by isolated individuals but through broad consultation involving political leaders, elders, youths, women, professionals and grassroots stakeholders.
He also advised emerging political actors in the district to cultivate relationships beyond Kogi West, arguing that the next governor of the state would require support from across Kogi State.
The Asiwaju emphasised that Okunland must pursue an inclusive political strategy capable of attracting support from the Central and Eastern Senatorial Districts while maintaining a united political base in the West.
He said such an approach would make the region better positioned to negotiate effectively when the time comes for the governorship contest.
Olusoji’s position has therefore placed emphasis on political patience, strategic alliances and long-term planning, rather than confrontation over immediate political interests.
He urged the people of Kogi West to remain focused on the ultimate objective, saying the aspiration to occupy Lugard House is achievable if the region avoids political miscalculations and works with a clearly defined roadmap.
As the political landscape ahead of 2027 continues to take shape, the message from Olusoji is that Okunland must think beyond one election cycle.
For him, supporting Governor Usman Ododo for a second term, while simultaneously preparing the ground for Kogi West’s 2031 governorship ambition, represents a strategic pathway that the region should carefully consider.
“Let us not allow emotions to make us lose sight of the destination. The destination is Lugard House, and we must employ the best strategy to get there,” Olusoji declared.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 7, 2026
