By Isaiah Davies Ijele, Social Activist
It has become imperative that Mr. President and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are made aware that the style of governance and certain policies of Governor Usman Ododo in Kogi State may be undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election in 2027.
At a time when the Federal Government continues to allocate substantial resources to states and local governments, Nigerians have repeatedly been encouraged to hold their governors accountable. The question is simple: What is Kogi State doing with the resources available to it, and why are ordinary citizens still being subjected to unbearable economic pressure?
Kogi State receives allocations running into billions of naira, including funds meant for local government administration and grassroots development. These resources should translate into better roads, affordable education, improved healthcare, and stable electricity.
Unfortunately, rather than feeling the impact of governance, many citizens are confronted with additional financial burdens.
Consider the reported ₦6,000 charge imposed on Keke riders for state stickers. These are ordinary people struggling daily to feed their families. Why should they be made to pay more when government has access to public funds that should support development?
The situation becomes even more disturbing with the reported 100% increase in school fees in state-owned institutions. At a time when parents are struggling to meet basic needs, doubling school fees places an enormous burden on families and threatens the educational aspirations of thousands of young people.
Other states are exploring ways to make education more affordable through scholarships and financial assistance. Kogi State should not be moving in the opposite direction.
The problem is about priorities and accountability. Kogi East in particular deserves more than political promises. Our communities continue to demand meaningful infrastructure, good roads, electricity, functional healthcare facilities and opportunities for economic advancement.
Public resources must produce measurable results, not merely announcements. A government that cannot adequately explain its priorities while citizens face increasing charges should expect legitimate questions.
President Tinubu has a political stake in how APC-controlled states perform. While the President cannot be held personally responsible for every state policy, citizens may nevertheless associate the performance of their governors with the broader political party.
You cannot continuously increase the financial burden on citizens, frustrate students and their parents, and then expect the same people to enthusiastically support your party at the polls. The Keke rider, the parent, and the community waiting for basic infrastructure are all voters. Their experiences will shape their decisions in 2027.
No amount of political mobilisation can replace good governance, and no campaign slogan can erase daily experiences.
The solution is not complicated. The state government must review policies that impose excessive burdens, urgently address the concerns surrounding school fees, ensure transparency in the use of public allocations, and prioritise projects that directly improve lives.
If Governor Ododo wants Kogi people to support the President in 2027, his government must give them reasons to do so. As it stands, there is zero visible impact of the state government in the nine local governments of Kogi East Senatorial District.
Mr. President must act now before it is too late.