Jonathan Jibrin
In my previous piece titled “WE ARE NOT A CONQUERED PEOPLE,” I drew attention to the painful reality that has befallen the Igala nation since we lost political power in Kogi State. Sadly, events have continued to prove that we are not only losing power, but gradually surrendering our dignity, courage, and constitutional right to freely choose those who should lead us.
Nothing captures this shameful reality more than the recent APC National Assembly primary elections held between the 16th and 18th of May, 2026. What transpired was not democracy. It was not consultation. It was not leadership. It was political slavery dressed in party uniform.
How can grown men, many of whom parade themselves as seasoned politicians and “leaders,” abandon the people they seek to represent and instead queue up before former Governor Yahaya Bello for endorsement like political beggars seeking royal blessings? Since when did the destiny of the Igala people become the private property of one individual? Since when did our collective future become subject to the approval of a self-appointed political emperor?
The bitter truth is this: those who willingly submitted themselves before Yahaya Bello for endorsement have no moral right to complain after being humiliated, edged out, or politically discarded. They knowingly walked into the trap. They surrendered their voices, their independence, and the mandate of the people on the altar of selfish ambition and cowardice.
A man who kneels to seek political validation from another cannot stand boldly to defend the people.
The irony is that many of those denied tickets today would have independently won any transparent primary election. The people knew them. The people were ready to support them. But instead of trusting the masses, they chose to trust the whims and caprices of one political godfather. They abandoned the people and worshipped at the altar of political endorsement. What they received in return was humiliation and betrayal.
This is exactly why Igala land remains politically stagnant while others move ahead. We have too many accidental politicians — men who fortune smiled upon by chance, not by competence, conviction, or sacrifice. Their loyalty is not to the people but to whoever controls the political structure. They cannot speak truth to power because they are products of submission.
And for those among us who continue to defend this system simply because of party affiliation or blind loyalty to the APC, let us ask ourselves one honest question: what tangible impact has this government made on Igala land?
Where are the federal roads?
Where are the industries?
Where are the empowerment programmes?
Where are the appointments that reflect our contribution?
Where is the security for our people?
Where is the development?
From Dekina to Ibaji, from Omala to Bassa, from Ankpa to Idah, our people continue to suffer neglect, insecurity, unemployment, and abandonment. Yet some politicians still shamelessly parade themselves as defenders of the same system that has reduced Igala land to a political orphan.
Enough is enough.
The time has come for the Igala people to rise above political intimidation and reclaim their destiny. We must stop surrendering our future to godfathers who see our land as conquered territory. We must stop worshipping politicians who have nothing to offer except manipulation and control.
Political parties should no longer blind us. Our loyalty must first be to Igala land, not to individuals who profit from our division and weakness. We must deliberately choose leaders who owe their mandate to the people — not to one man sitting somewhere distributing tickets like personal property.
History will never forgive this generation if we continue to keep quiet while our political future is auctioned to the highest bidder.
The chains of political slavery will not break by themselves. We must break them through courage, unity, and resistance.
We are not a conquered people.
We are not political slaves.
And we must never again bow before any self-appointed “supreme leader” to decide our destiny.
The liberation of Igala land must begin now.
