Igbo Community in Kogi Central Visits, Declares Support for Yahaya Bello’s 2027 Senate Election
The Igbo Community in Kogi Central has declared its support for the 2027 senatorial election bid of former Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, describing him as a leader who provided a conducive environment for the Igbo community to live, work and thrive in the state.
The declaration was made during a visit by the leadership of the Igbo community in Kogi Central to Yahaya Bello, where they expressed appreciation for his administration and reaffirmed what they described as their continued solidarity with him.
The delegation was led by Chief Augustine Azoro, First Vice President of the Igbo Community Association, Kogi State, and President of the Igbo Community Association, Kogi Central.
Also present was Chief Matthew Nwafor, President of the Igbo Community Association, Okene, coordinating the Ganaja, Zango and other areas, alongside Chief Joseph Anikwe and Chief Ikechukwu Ajuluchukwu of the Anambra State Association (ASA), Kogi Central.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Chief Augustine Azoro said the purpose of the visit was to personally communicate their support to the former governor.
“Our mission here is to tell you that we are with you 100 percent,” he said.
He recalled the security challenges that confronted the state when Bello assumed office, noting that the former governor had promised during his first 100 days in office to tackle insecurity and, according to him, delivered on that commitment.
"We had decided to close down our businesses and leave Kogi Central before your election because of insecurity. However, during your campaign, you promised that, if elected, insecurity in the area would become a thing of the past. Today, we can confidently attest that you kept your promise. We have decided that NO single Igbo vote will go to your opponent in the next election", he said.
Azoro also attributed the growth and establishment of the Igbo community in parts of Kogi Central to the peaceful environment created during Bello’s administration.
Other Igbo leaders who spoke during the visit commended Bello for what they described as his inclusive approach to governance. They specifically appreciated his accommodation of members of the Igbo community and his appointment of some Igbo indigenes and residents into positions within his administration.
Also speaking, Pharm. Abdulkareem Jamiu Mohammed (Asuku), who welcomed and addressed the delegation, thanked the community for its visit and acknowledged its longstanding relationship with the former governor.
He said Bello had done much for the people and suggested that the visit was an opportunity for the community to reciprocate the relationship that had existed over the years.
“His Excellency has given us much, and it is time to reward him,” he said.
Barr. Moses Okezie Okafor, Director General, Research and Development, Kogi State, and Leader of the Igbo Community in Kogi State, also thanked the delegation for the visit.
Okezie Okafor, who served as Director General of Research and Development during the Bello administration, recalled the community’s previous support for the former governor and acknowledged its contributions to his administration.
In his response, Yahaya Bello expressed appreciation to the Igbo community for the visit and for the relationship that existed between his administration and the community during his tenure as governor.
Bello said he enjoyed a cordial relationship with the Igbo community throughout his time in office, noting the important role played by the community in the economic and social development of Kogi State.
He said the Igbo people have a long standing tradition of building businesses and communities in places where they settle, stressing that their contributions should continue to be encouraged.
“Anywhere there is no life, the Igbos take life there,” Bello said, in reference to what he described as the community’s entrepreneurial spirit and ability to create economic activity wherever it establishes itself.
The former governor also called on members of the Igbo community in Kogi State and across Nigeria to participate actively in politics and support what he described as inclusive political engagement.
He urged them to support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu en masse, while also encouraging them to support Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, when the time comes.
Bello assured the community that he would continue to maintain an open relationship with them and extend his hands of cooperation to the Igbo community.
The meeting ended with expressions of appreciation from both sides, as the community reiterated its relationship with the former governor and its stated support for his 2027 political aspiration.