With each passing day, the people of Kogi East keep asking the same question: who flies the APC flag for Senate? Let me state it plainly and without ambiguity: Alhaji Jibrin Isah Echocho is the APC Senatorial Candidate for Kogi East.
His quiet demeanor and focus on awaiting the final INEC publication should not be mistaken for uncertainty. The era of backdoor imposition is over in Kogi. Echocho came to serve, and his record speaks for itself. Is he flawless? No, he is human. But his footprint across Kogi East, in projects, in interventions and in presence, is visible and undeniable. Truthfully, the criticism against him has little to do with performance. The real issue is alignment.
Anyone attacking Echocho today is not upset about delivery. They are upset about his deliberate disengagement from a system that failed Kogi, a system built on lopsided appointments, zonal exclusion and selective development
In that system, one senatorial zone and one LGA hoarded four to five commissioners, directorates and DG’s slots, while other LGAs could not boast of a single commissioner. Roads flourished in one axis, while the other two zones struggled with roads that barely exist. That is a system which reserved “real power”, commissioners, directors, and influence for its base, and offered the rest “SA and SSA without offices.” It is therefore no surprise that most Kogites have rejected that model.
That is why Senator Sunday Karimi earned wide respect, he broke away early. And today, I can confirm with certainty that Echocho has also broken away. He stands with the people of Kogi East. He stands with the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He stands to correct history and give the Igala nation its first ranking, influential senator. Insha Allah, by God’s grace, a third term for Echocho will finally place Igala where it belongs, at the table, with voice and weight.
This fight is not just against Echocho. It is against Kogi East. The agenda is clear: deny Igala a ranking, vibrant and impactful senator. They tried it with Okun but failed and they are trying it again with the Igala’s.
The failed system’s doctrine is simple, all good must come from one zone only. But Echocho and the good people of Kogi East and West are drawing the line. The answer is No!
Umar Isah (Radical) writes.