The people of Kogi East are facing what can best be described as a steady political drowning—a gradual but dangerous erosion of influence, relevance, and collective strength.
This decline is not sudden. It is the result of years of fragmentation, internal competition without coordination, and the rise of political opportunists who prioritize personal gain over collective progress. Today, we see individuals moving from one political center to another, cap in hand, seeking patronage instead of building power.
This reality is painful, especially when one considers the historic position of the Igala people as a dominant political force in Kogi State. A people once known for strength and direction must not resign themselves to dependency and survival politics.
What Went Wrong?
We must ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions:
What is responsible for this political decline?
Who weakened our collective front?
And more importantly, have we contributed to our own challenges?
The truth is simple: numbers without unity are powerless.
The Igala people remain one of the most populous groups in Kogi State, with strong presence not only in Kogi East but also in Ajaokuta, Lokoja, and Koton Karfe.
Yet, despite this demographic advantage, our influence has diminished due to:
Lack of cohesion
Poor harmonization of interests
Absence of a unified political direction
A divided majority will always struggle against a coordinated minority.
The Reality of Power in Democracy
Democracy may be described as a game of numbers, but in practice, it is a game of organized numbers. Without strategy, discipline, and shared purpose, even the largest population becomes ineffective.
Kogi State, like Nigeria, reflects a balance of blocs and interests. Power rotation, while not always formally codified, has become an important political reality. Having spent a significant period outside the governorship position, many believe it is both logical and equitable for power to return to Kogi East.
This is not a call for exclusion. Kogi remains an open political space where every citizen has the right to aspire. However, it is also true that in democratic contests, majority influence—when properly organized—often determines outcomes.
The Danger of Internal Sabotage
One of the most critical challenges we face is internal division fueled by:
Excessive and uncoordinated ambitions
Individuals playing spoiler roles
Political actors spreading misinformation
Claims that external forces have predetermined leadership outcomes should be treated with caution. Such narratives often weaken morale and divide focus. The future of Kogi State must ultimately be decided by its people through lawful and democratic processes.
The Way Forward: Strategy Over Sentiment
If Kogi East is to regain political relevance, certain steps are necessary:
Unity of Purpose
Collective ambition must take precedence over individual interests.
Strategic Coordination
Political actors must begin to align, consult, and build consensus early.
Reduction of Fragmentation
A crowded field of aspirants weakens bargaining power and electoral strength.
Disciplined Mobilization
Grassroots engagement must be structured, consistent, and inclusive.
Message Control and Political Education
Our people must be guided with facts, not fear or propaganda.
A Call to Responsibility
This is a defining moment. The path forward requires maturity, restraint, and a shared commitment to a greater cause.
Ambition is not the problem—uncontrolled ambition is.
Leadership is not the issue—disunity is.
The Igala people must rise above internal differences and begin to think and act as a collective political force. The goal is not just to seek power, but to build a sustainable and respected political structure that serves present and future generations.
Conclusion
The journey ahead will require sacrifice, dialogue, and strategic patience. But one thing is clear: no external force can weaken a people who are united in purpose.
The time has come to move from complaint to coordination, from division to unity, and from weakness to strength.
Kogi East must not just count its numbers—it must make its numbers count especially now that politics is now the number of games you have that matters and no longer a game of number.
By Chief Akwu Umar Goodman
