Peter Odoma, a political commentator concerned about the future of Igala land and Kogi State, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the declining political influence of the Igala people, calling for reconciliation, unity and strategic leadership recruitment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In an emotional reflection titled “Karma Is Indeed the Greatest Gift to Mankind,” Odoma examined the region’s political history, lamenting that unresolved rivalries, internal divisions and past political miscalculations have contributed to the challenges confronting the Igala people today.
His commentary, prompted by the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, revisited the prolonged political differences between Idris and another former governor, Prince Abubakar Audu.
According to Odoma, the inability of the two influential leaders to reconcile their differences before their deaths represents a painful chapter in the political history of the state.
He argued that the consequences of political disagreements extend beyond individual leaders, often affecting entire communities and generations.
He also acknowledged that the people themselves share responsibility for the present situation by supporting, defending or applauding political decisions without adequately considering their long-term implications.
“What we are experiencing today should compel every sincere Igala son and daughter to reflect deeply on our political journey. Our divisions, our silences and the leaders we applauded, even when their decisions were questionable, have contributed to where we find ourselves today,” Odoma lamented.
Expressing concern over what he considers the diminishing political relevance of Igala land, Odoma said the region must urgently address the leadership vacuum created by the declining influence of established political figures and the death of some of its prominent leaders. He maintained that the responsibility for rebuilding the region’s political strength rests primarily on the people themselves.
He called on traditional institutions, political stakeholders, youth leaders, professionals and community advocates to put aside personal ambitions, forgive past grievances and embrace a common vision for the future.
“We must bury our differences, forgive one another and rebuild the unity necessary to restore the glory of Ane-Ayegba. We were Igala before politics came, and we will remain Igala forever,” he declared.
Odoma also criticised what he described as excessive external influence over political representation in Kogi State, particularly the influence he attributed to former Governor Yahaya Bello and the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo. He argued that the Igala people should exercise their democratic right to determine their political representatives rather than depend on the preferences of powerful political figures.
While acknowledging the importance of political alliances, he insisted that such relationships must protect the interests of the people and preserve their independence in leadership recruitment.
He urged the electorate to prioritise credible candidates, competence, integrity and accountability over political loyalty, financial inducements or external endorsements.
The commentator further questioned the effectiveness of political appointments, including Special Assistants, Senior Special Assistants and commissioners, arguing that appointments should be assessed by their tangible contributions to community development rather than the titles they confer.
“Our people deserve more than titles and appointments that cannot influence meaningful development in their communities.
We cannot continue to celebrate political appointments while our people still struggle with the challenges of development and representation,” he said.
Looking towards the 2027 general elections, Odoma described the forthcoming polls as an opportunity for political renewal and reconciliation.
He urged the Igala people to overcome historical divisions, unite around credible leadership and develop a strategic political direction capable of advancing their collective interests.
He stressed that the region’s numerical strength could translate into meaningful political influence only through organisation, informed electoral choices and sustained accountability.
He also called for a new generation of leaders with the courage, vision and independence to defend the aspirations of their communities.
Using familiar Nigerian expressions to emphasise the need for political vigilance, Odoma warned against repeating past mistakes and allowing the electorate to be repeatedly misled by political promises without corresponding results.
He maintained that restoring Igala land’s political relevance would require more than complaints about marginalisation.
It would demand genuine reconciliation, purposeful leadership, strategic alliances and a commitment to holding public officeholders accountable.
Odoma concluded that the people must learn from their political history without remaining imprisoned by it, insisting that the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity to rebuild unity, strengthen political participation and establish a leadership culture focused on development and collective progress.
His central message was that Igala land must take responsibility for its political future, reject divisive politics and work towards producing leaders who can translate its electoral strength into meaningful representation and lasting development.
