ABUJA – Nigeria
Dr Sam Omale, a former gubernatorial candidate in Kogi State, has led a high-powered delegation of more than 25 prominent stakeholders from the state to a strategic meeting with the Vice-Presidential Candidate of the New Democrats Congress (NDC), Engr. Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at his Abuja residence.
The delegation, drawn from across the 21 Local Government Areas of Kogi State, included leaders of socio-cultural organisations, NDC senatorial, federal and state legislative candidates, former lawmakers, senior retired military officers, former civil servants, professionals and other political stakeholders.
Omale explained that the meeting was convened to reaffirm the commitment of the various groups to the NDC and the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections. It also provided an opportunity to discuss the political and developmental aspirations of the people of Kogi State.
Addressing the gathering, Omale expressed concern over what he described as a prolonged leadership deficit in Kogi State.
He lamented that despite the state’s enormous human and natural resources, many residents continued to face poverty, insecurity, unemployment and inadequate infrastructure.
He stressed, however, that the challenges confronting the state were not insurmountable, arguing that Kogi possessed the resources and human capacity needed to achieve rapid economic transformation if placed under visionary, accountable and development-focused leadership.
“We know the solution. We have the capacity to turn these underutilized resources into productive economic opportunities that will deliver tangible socioeconomic benefits to the people of Kogi State within two to three years,” Omale declared.
The former gubernatorial candidate maintained that Kogi’s mineral deposits, agricultural potential and other natural resources could provide the foundation for industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth if properly harnessed.
He further noted that the delegation represented a broad coalition of stakeholders determined to use democratic means to pursue political change in Kogi State and position the state as a stronghold of the NDC ahead of the 2027 elections.
Omale contended that many people in Kogi were yearning for a new political direction. He also criticised what he described as 12 years of APC administration, arguing that the period had not adequately addressed some of the fundamental economic and social challenges confronting the state.
“If we love our people, if we have empathy, and if we genuinely want to transform Kogi’s enormous potential into a productive economy, then we must stand firm,” he urged.
He expressed confidence that growing dissatisfaction with the prevailing political order would translate into increased electoral support for the NDC in 2027, insisting that the party was positioning itself as an alternative platform for Nigerians seeking better governance.
“The APC will not be able to withstand the tsunami of the people’s anger and their determination to break free from what they consider captivity,” Omale declared.
He also used the occasion to canvass support for the proposed Peter Obi-Rabiu Kwankwaso presidential ticket, describing the combination as one of the strongest political partnerships that Nigeria could present to the electorate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Omale observed that both Obi and Kwankwaso had, in his assessment, demonstrated integrity, patriotism and visionary leadership in their respective political careers. He added that their experience and records of public service had prepared them for the responsibility of providing effective leadership at the national level.
He described the two politicians as “transparent, relatable, empathetic and visionary leaders,” maintaining that their antecedents gave Nigerians sufficient grounds to assess their capacity to lead the country.
The Kogi delegation subsequently assured Kwankwaso of its determination to mobilise support for the NDC and its presidential ticket across the state. The stakeholders also appealed to him to visit Kogi to engage directly with the electorate and reassure them of his commitment to their welfare and aspirations.
Responding, Kwankwaso warmly recalled his longstanding relationship with the late Prince Abubakar Audu and reaffirmed his enduring affection for the people of Kogi State.
The former Kano State governor accepted the invitation to visit Kogi, while a planning committee was reportedly constituted to coordinate the proposed engagement and make the necessary arrangements.
Omale expressed optimism that the NDC would emerge as a formidable political force in the 2027 elections and ultimately produce a government capable of tackling Nigeria’s economic and developmental challenges.
He described the strategic engagement as another significant step in the mobilisation of political stakeholders across Kogi State and the broader campaign for what he termed a new political and developmental direction for the country.
“Nigeria shall be okay, and the Nigeria of our dreams will be birthed in 2027,” Omale declared.
