Kogi 2027: Tom Ohikere Returns to Politics, Calls for People-Centred Leadership

Former Head of Media for the Audu/Faleke governorship campaign, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has formally declared his return to Kogi State politics after an 11-year absence, saying he is re-entering the political space to champion the interests of ordinary citizens ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

In a statement titled “Kogi 2027: I Am Back for the People,” Ohikere said his decision was driven by a desire to redirect political discourse in the state from factional battles to issues affecting the daily lives of residents, including insecurity, unemployment, food inflation and economic hardship.

Reflecting on his role in the 2015 governorship election, Ohikere recalled serving as Head of Media for the Audu/Faleke campaign, describing that period as one defined by the defence of the people’s mandate.

“We campaigned in 2015 on the belief that the mandate of the people is sacred. Standing by that principle came at a personal political cost, but I have no regrets because democracy must always be anchored on justice and the will of the people,” he said.

According to him, the political consequences of the events that followed the 2015 election forced him to remain outside Kogi’s political landscape for more than a decade.

“For 11 years, I watched events unfold from outside the state’s political arena. That distance gave me perspective, and what I saw convinced me that Kogi deserves a new direction. I am not returning for a political camp, revenge or personal ambition. I am back because the people deserve better.”

Ohikere painted a grim picture of the state’s economic situation, lamenting the rising cost of living and declining purchasing power of residents.

He noted that basic food items had become increasingly unaffordable for many households, while commercial activities had slowed significantly across major markets in Lokoja, Okene, Idah and Kabba.

“Our markets are filled with goods but increasingly empty of buyers. Young people are leaving Kogi in search of opportunities elsewhere, while public debt continues to rise without corresponding improvements in roads, schools and healthcare facilities,” he stated.

On security, the former campaign spokesman expressed concern over persistent attacks on farmers and increasing incidents of kidnapping across major highways in the state.

“No society can truly prosper when farmers are afraid to cultivate their land and travellers fear using the roads. Security is the foundation upon which every meaningful development must rest,” he said.

Ohikere also criticised what he described as the dominance of political rivalries over governance, arguing that public interest had taken a back seat to internal struggles for control within the political class.

“Politics in Kogi should not be reduced to a contest between camps. While politicians argue over structures, ordinary citizens are asking who will make food affordable, secure their communities and create opportunities for their children.”

Commenting on the renewed disagreements between political loyalists of former Governor Yahaya Bello and House of Representatives member James Faleke, Ohikere urged political actors to move beyond old divisions.

“The disagreements that began in 2015 should not continue to define our politics in 2027. The real contest should be about ideas, solutions and leadership, not supremacy among political camps.”

While acknowledging growing calls for Kogi West to produce the state’s next governor in the interest of equity, Ohikere said zoning alone should not overshadow competence and a genuine commitment to public service.

“Equity is an important conversation, especially considering that Kogi West has not produced a governor since the state’s creation. However, beyond zoning lies a more fundamental question: who will truly put the people first?”

He outlined what he described as his vision for the state, centred on food security, improved security, job creation and inclusive governance.

According to him, government should prioritise support for farmers through improved access to agricultural inputs, storage facilities and safer farming communities while creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

“We have enormous agricultural potential across Kogi East, Central and West. With the right investments in agriculture, agro-processing and solid minerals, we can create jobs, improve food production and stimulate economic growth.”

He also advocated greater investment in alternative energy sources such as compressed natural gas to reduce transportation costs and improve economic productivity.

Calling on political leaders to embrace unity, Ohikere said the future of Kogi should not be determined by competing political interests but by the collective aspirations of its more than four million residents.

“The destiny of Kogi does not belong to any political camp. It belongs to every citizen who desires a safer, more prosperous and united state.”

Declaring that his political comeback was focused entirely on service, Ohikere urged Kogi voters to evaluate aspirants based on competence and proven capacity rather than political affiliations.

“I am not back to relive the battles of 2015. I am back to contribute to building a better Kogi in 2027. Politics must once again become about service, integrity and delivering tangible results for the people.”

He concluded by appealing to residents to approach the next election with a renewed sense of civic responsibility.

“As we approach 2027, let us choose evidence over emotion, competence over connection and the collective future of Kogi over personal interests. The destiny of our state is in our hands, and together we must ensure we do not squander that opportunity,” he said.