Former Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Convener of the Coalition for Better Kogi State, Dr. Tom Ohikere, has called for the governorship of Kogi State to be rotated to the Kogi West Senatorial District in the 2028 election cycle.

Ohikere made the call in a statement issued to journalists in Lokoja, arguing that the political history of the state requires a fresh conversation about equity and representation among the three senatorial districts.

According to him, Kogi East has held the governorship for several years since the return of democratic rule, while Kogi Central has also occupied the position, whereas Kogi West has not produced an elected governor since the creation of the state.

Ohikere, who is from Okene in Kogi Central, said his position was based on what he described as fairness and equitable political representation rather than ethnic or sectional considerations.

Ohikere: “17-12-0” Raises Questions About Rotation

The former commissioner referenced what he described as a “17-12-0” pattern in the distribution of governorship power among the three senatorial districts.

He argued that the situation had created a political imbalance that should be addressed through dialogue among stakeholders across the state.

Ohikere said Kogi West's claim to the governorship conversation was also strengthened by the district's political, economic and demographic importance, including the location of the state capital, Lokoja.

He maintained that greater inclusion of Kogi West in the state's political leadership could contribute to discussions around unity and representation.

Ohikere Rejects Proposed Power Rotation Summit

The former commissioner also criticised the planned Kogi Power Rotation Summit scheduled for September 30 and October 1, 2026.

Ohikere questioned whether serving government officials could provide the neutrality required to moderate a debate over the distribution of political power, given their positions within the existing political structure.

He consequently said the Coalition for Better Kogi State would not participate in the planned event.

However, reports from the organisers of the Kogi Unity Accord describe the September 30–October 1 summit as a platform for stakeholders to discuss political inclusion, equity, unity and a sustainable framework for power rotation in Kogi State. The organisers have said the gathering is intended to be non-partisan and inclusive.

Coalition Plans Alternative Summit in Abuja

Ohikere announced that the Coalition for Better Kogi State plans to organise what it calls the “Kogi Equity, Unity and Rotation National Summit” in Abuja in the third week of October 2026.

According to him, the proposed gathering would bring together political stakeholders from Kogi East and Kogi West, as well as stakeholders from Kogi Central who support the coalition's position.

He said the proposed summit would seek to develop a “Kogi Charter of Equity”, which the coalition intends to present to political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant stakeholders.

Rotation Remains a Political, Not Constitutional, Question

Ohikere acknowledged that rotational governorship is not expressly provided for in the Nigerian Constitution.

He nevertheless argued that zoning and informal political agreements have become part of Nigeria's political practice and urged political parties to consider equitable representation when selecting candidates for the 2028 Kogi governorship election.

The debate over power rotation is expected to remain an important issue in Kogi's political discussions as stakeholders consider how leadership should be distributed among the state's three senatorial districts.

With competing perspectives now emerging around the issue, the discussions are likely to centre on questions of political inclusion, historical representation, zoning, competence and the broader interests of Kogi State.