The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kogi East Senatorial District, Chief Dr Joseph Ameh Erico, has paid a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of the Igala Kingdom, the Achadu Oko Attah, His Royal Majesty Yusuf Atama Ameadaji II, as political activities ahead of the 2027 election continue across the district.

The visit to the traditional ruler’s palace in Idah attracted APC supporters, youth and women groups, community representatives and other residents, according to reports from the event.

Erico used the occasion to outline his vision for the economic development of Kogi East, placing particular emphasis on the district’s natural resources and the oil-producing area of Ibaji Local Government Area.

Ibaji is located in Kogi East and has been associated with crude-oil exploration. The Kogi State Development Plan identifies the Oda River-1 oil well in Ibaji and describes oil and gas as an area of economic opportunity for the state. The state government has also said it intends to further develop Ibaji’s oil and gas potential alongside agriculture and road infrastructure.

Speaking during the visit, Erico said the resources in Kogi East should translate into tangible opportunities for people living in the communities where those resources are located.

He argued that deliberate policies, private-sector investment and cooperation between government and traditional institutions could help create jobs, support businesses and improve infrastructure across the district.

Erico also said communities where natural resources are found should have a meaningful role in the development process and should benefit from the economic activity generated around those resources.

His comments form part of a wider development message he has been taking to communities since emerging as the APC's candidate for the Kogi East Senate race.

Erico emerged from the APC's 2026 Kogi East senatorial primary and has since participated in mobilisation and thank-you activities across the district. Recent reports identified him as the party's candidate and said his campaign activities have included visits to Idah, Ejule, Anyigba, Ankpa and his hometown of Etutekpe.

The APC candidate said he would seek collaboration with traditional institutions, government agencies and private investors if elected, with the stated aim of attracting development projects and economic opportunities to Kogi East.

For him, the region's natural resources should be viewed not simply as deposits beneath the ground but as potential drivers of employment, entrepreneurship and broader economic activity.

Responding to the visit, Achadu Oko Attah Yusuf Atama Ameadaji II welcomed Erico and commended him for recognising the importance of the traditional institution.

The monarch urged politicians and other public office seekers to focus on initiatives capable of improving the lives of ordinary people, while emphasising peace, unity and responsible leadership.

He also expressed the view that Kogi East's natural resources could contribute significantly to economic advancement if properly developed and managed.

The visit ended with prayers for peace and development in Kogi State and for the continued strengthening of democratic institutions.

Erico's engagement with traditional and community stakeholders comes as the APC continues its preparations for the 2027 elections. The party has already publicly identified him as its Kogi East senatorial candidate, while recent mobilisation activities have seen senior Kogi APC figures participate in events supporting his candidacy.

As the election approaches, the development of Kogi East's natural resources, job creation, infrastructure and youth opportunities are likely to remain among the issues raised by candidates and stakeholders across the district.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia