A social activist and politician, Isaiah Davies Ijele, has raised the alarm that the type of governance and insurance policies of Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, could also be undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election possibilities in the state in 2027.
In a powerful political intervention launched on Friday, October 24, 2026, Ijele mentioned it has grow to be crucial for the president and the management of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to be made conscious of developments in the state.
According to him, “It has become imperative that Mr. President and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) are made aware that the style of governance and certain policies of Governor Usman Ododo in Kogi State may be undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s chances of securing re-election in 2027.”
Ijele argued that at a time when the Federal Government allocates substantial sources to states and native governments, Nigerians have been inspired to carry governors accountable for a way public funds are managed.
“The question is simple: What is Kogi State doing with the resources available to it, and why are ordinary citizens still being subjected to unbearable economic pressure?” he queried.
He famous that Kogi State receives allocations operating into billions of naira, together with funds meant for native authorities administration and grassroots growth, which he mentioned ought to translate into higher roads, inexpensive training, improved healthcare and secure electrical energy.
“Unfortunately, rather than feeling the impact of governance, many citizens are confronted with additional financial burdens,” Ijele acknowledged.
The activist cited the reported N6,000 cost imposed on tricycle (Keke) riders for state stickers, describing the riders as bizarre folks struggling to feed their households in a troublesome economic system.
“Why should they be made to pay more when government has access to public funds that should support development and improve living conditions?” he requested.
Ijele mentioned the scenario turns into extra disturbing with the reported 100 per cent enhance in faculty charges in state-owned establishments.
“At a time when parents are struggling to meet basic needs, doubling school fees places an enormous burden on families and threatens the educational aspirations of thousands of young people. Is this the change the people expected? Is this how a government demonstrates compassion for its citizens?” he requested.
He argued that different states are exploring methods to make training extra inexpensive via scholarships and monetary help, and Kogi shouldn’t be shifting in the other way.
“The problem is not simply about money. It is about priorities, accountability and the responsibility of government to its people,” Ijele pressured.
The activist mentioned Kogi East in explicit deserves greater than political guarantees, including that communities proceed to demand significant infrastructure, good roads, electrical energy, purposeful healthcare services and financial alternatives.
“The people want to see the impact of public expenditure in their daily lives. If billions of naira are being allocated to government at different levels, citizens have every right to ask what tangible projects have been delivered, what they cost and how communities have benefited. Public resources must produce measurable results, not merely announcements and political publicity,” he mentioned.
Ijele warned that President Tinubu has a political stake in how APC-controlled states carry out, noting that whereas the president can’t be held personally answerable for each state coverage, residents could affiliate the efficiency of governors with the broader social gathering.
“President Tinubu has a political stake in how APC-controlled states perform. The conduct of governors and other political officeholders will inevitably influence how voters judge the president and his administration,” he mentioned.
He cautioned Governor Ododo that growing monetary burden on residents may have political penalties.
“You cannot continuously increase the financial burden on citizens, frustrate students and their parents, and then expect the same people to enthusiastically support your preferred candidate at the polls. The people who pay these fees, the Keke riders who struggle to earn a living, the parents who sacrifice everything to educate their children, and the communities waiting for basic infrastructure are all voters. Their experiences will shape their political decisions in 2027,” Ijele warned.
According to him, “No amount of political mobilisation can permanently replace good governance, and no campaign slogan can erase the daily experiences of suffering citizens.”
Ijele referred to as on the state authorities to evaluate insurance policies that impose extreme burdens, handle considerations round faculty charges, guarantee transparency in the usage of public allocations and prioritise tasks that instantly enhance lives.
“The people of Kogi State deserve responsible leadership. They deserve affordable education, accessible healthcare, good roads, reliable electricity and an administration that sees public revenue as a responsibility rather than an opportunity to impose more charges,” he acknowledged.
He added that President Tinubu’s re-election marketing campaign can’t be separated completely from the efficiency of these governing beneath his social gathering.
“If Governor Ododo wants Kogi people to support the president, his government must give them reasons to do so. You cannot make life harder for the people and expect their votes as a reward,” Ijele mentioned.
He concluded that because it stands, there’s zero seen influence of the state authorities in the 9 native governments of Kogi East Senatorial District, whereas questioning how native authorities funds are being utilized.
“Governor Usman Ododo must act now, not when the political consequences of public dissatisfaction become impossible to reverse. Mr. President, act now before it’s too late!”
