HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

ACTION CONGRESS OF NIGERIA (ACN)
1 Jiya, Alhaji Kogi East Senatorial District; ACN does not have wide Difficulty to Political Relevance
Aliyu Zakari Pharmacist; spread acceptability in the wrestle power
(ACN) State; No clear political from PDP
Key Trust: Agent of change; structure;
Expansion of economy leading to Job
creation; Revamp education sector;
Youth empowerment; child health
and building more General Hospitals;
enhance agriculture and Fish farming
2 Miachi, Dr. Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Technical competency; Well ACN does not have wide Difficulty to Political Relevance
Tom (ACN) District; Fmr Managing Director thought out manifesto and spread acceptability in the wrestle power
Ajaokuta Steal Company; Lecturer in development programme; State; No clear political from PDP
Anthropology Clark University; Fmr wide national and structure;
Special Technical Assistant to international connections
Minister of Power and Steel;
Seasoned Technocrat

Key Trust: Social and Economic

development; Approach to Planning
based on effective Needs
Assessment, Time-framed
Implementation Strategies etc
3 Obadofin, Kogi West Senatorial District; Labour History of activism; ACN does not have wide Difficulty to Political Relevance
Rotimi (ANC) and Human Right Activist; Fmr Guber spread acceptability in the wrestle power
contestant under Democratic State from PDP
People’s Alliance (DPA)in 2007

Key Trust: Welfarist ideologies

including free and compulsory
education
4 Obaje, Rev. Kogi East Senatorial District; Fmr ACN does not have wide Difficulty to

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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

Prof. Yusuf controversial Chaplain Aso Rock spread acceptability in the wrestle power
Villa; Fmr President Nigerian Baptist State; week political from PDP
Convention structure

Key Trust: Not Clear

5 Olumoroti, Kogi West Senatorial District; A viable OKUN alternative if Relatively new to Politics; Difficulty to Political Relevance
Sola George Engineer; Fmr Union Chairman the PDP fails on Power shift ACN does not have wide wrestle power
(ACN) Exxon Mobil Producing arrangement spread acceptability in the from PDP
State
Key Trust: General upliftment of
living standards
CONGRESS FOR PROGRESSIVE CHANGE (CPC)
6 Lawal Itopa Okene LGA; Kogi Central Senatorial CPC is comparatively weak in Difficulty to Political Relevance
Lamidi District; Fmr senior Account PHCN; Kogi state; wrestle power
seasoned Civil Servant; member from PDP
ICAN, NIM and CIPMN

Key Trust: Accountable and

responsive government; 30%
revenue to education; 20% revenue
to healthcare

PEOPLES DEMOCRATIC PARTY (PDP)

7 Abah, Igalamela/Oduru LGA; Kogi East Incumbent Minister; Might not quit current office Presence of more May be his closeness
Humphrey Senatorial District; Minister of Police Closeness to President to run for elective office serious to the powers that
(PDP) Affairs; Fmr Minister of State for Jonathan; Long time contenders for be
Commerce &Fmr Minister of State involvement in Kogi politics; the guber seat
for Interior; Former member Nigeria strong financial base
Shippers Council; Successful Lawyer;
Kogi PDP founding member; Fmr
Gubernatorial Aspirant (2007);
Member NBA;

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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

Key Trust: Not Clear

8 Abdullahi, Dr. Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Has little money to play Widely perceived as just Presence of other Could benefit from
Jacob (PDP) District; Old contender in the race; with; a grassroots man in his throwing in the hat; Not intimidating zoning arrangement
Medical Director Winners locality; Integrity in medical widely acceptable in the aspirants; Power in Igala land;
Diagnostics Centre Abuja; profession state shift arrangement
International Medical practitioner
and laboratory technologist;
Controversial inventor of cure for
HIV/AIDs

Key Trust: Living wage to Civil

servants; 2,000 Megawatts of
electricity; health; arrest youth
restiveness
9 Abolarin, Yagba-West LGA; Kogi West Connection in business Bare grassroots structure; Presence of other Political Relevance
Chief Dehinde Senatorial District; Alumnus Lagos world particularly in Lagos Yet to penetrate Kogi intimidating
(PDP) Business School; Infrastructure consciousness; aspirants
Development Executive; ICT Expert,

Key Trust: Slogan – “One Kogi One

Nigeria” New Vision; Education and
Youth empowerment; Infrastructure
development an agriculture; online
linkage of general Hospitals in LGAs
10 Abubakar, Okene LGA; Kogi Central Senatorial Credentials as former Rather bare political Presence of other
Ambassador District; Pro-Chancellor and Ambassador and retired structure; intimidating
Amuda Yusuf, Chairman, Governing Council of Kogi General aspirants; Central
Rtd. Brigadier State University; former Ambassador would rather
General, (PDP) to North Korea have Governor go
West now so
Key Trust: Rule of law; Job creation their rightful turn
can’t be denied
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

11 Abutu, Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Internal knowledge of the Little known Politically Presence of other
Suleiman District; Police intimidating
Ejeh, Assistant aspirants
Police Key Trust: Not Clear
Commissioner
(Rtd.) (PDP)
12 Ahmodu, Kotonkarfe LGA; Kogi West Quiet and disciplined man; Lacks financial muscle; week Presence of other
Musa (PDP) Senatorial District; SSG, Former abhors corruption; close to acceptance across the state; intimidating
Reps Member ibro – known as Ibro’s PA. has not really assisted his aspirants
people; too slow; no trust; a
Key Trust: Not Clear stooge at best; Minority
13 Aieyepeku, Kabba / Bunu LGA; Kogi West Experienced politician Lacks financial muscle to pull Presence of other Only woman aspirant
Mrs Comfort Senatorial District; Only female it off; intimidating
(PDP) contestant aspirants

Key Trust: Not Clear

14 Akaba, Dr Kogi Central Senatorial District; The Central will rather have Presence of other
Yakubu Aliyu Katsina based Medical doctor Governor go West now then intimidating
(PDP) they’ll wait and defend their aspirants
Key Trust: Not Clear turn;
15 Akanmode, Ijumu LGA; Kogi West Senatorial Politically savvy; Considered Association with third term Too many Perceived as a
Prince District; Fmr Deputy Chief of Staff; an Asset; Intimidating / bid of Governor Audu; Okun/Ijumu detribalised and
Olusola (PDP) Fmr. SSG; Fmr. Perm. Sec; Founding unequalled Resume; Very Decamped to AC; Atiku contestants may competent; Power
member PDP; Business Man; experienced in government factor; Perceived by some lead to split shift arrangement to
Successful Administrator; Former; circles; Wide reach of politicians as knowing too votes; Ibro Okun; Generally
Relationships with wide range of key friends with deep pockets; much and can’t be easily factor; if the East acceptable to Kogi
players ; Keen interest in service and Wealthy on own right; controlled; refuses Power Central; Grassroots
Leadership Bridge builder; Can deliver shift; Elite gang- campaign
democracy dividends; up against;
Key Trust: Keen on ICT education; generally loved and trusted;
industrialisation; modernised First hand knowledge of all
agriculture; tourism and customer political Wards in the State
driven Civil Service; Solid Minerals; and only aspirant to have
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

Health (access, affordability, quality) gone round entire 283
Exposure, connection, experience, electoral wards on this
accessibility; Economic Blueprint campaign; Has probably
impacted most sound
individuals across the state
16 Atawodi, Kogi East Senatorial District Perceived as helpful in Not generally trusted by Presence of other Slim chance of
AVM Salihu ;Significant influence during the developing the state when other politicians; Not intimidating benefiting from Igala
(Rtd) (PDP) Military era; Former Senior officer he had the chance; Has politically known aspirants Agenda
attached to the office of the money; controversial
National Security Adviser support from Traditional
Rulers and Eminent Persons
Key Trust: Not Clear of Igala/Bassa nation ad
consensus candidate from
the east; block votes
expected from his council
and some parts of the east
17 Bello, Mallam
Rasheed (PDP)
18 Fadile, Col. Kabba / Bunu LGA: Kogi West Wide connections; Perceived poor political Presence of Power shift
Bello (PDP) Senatorial District; PhD & Rtd. Intellectual capacity structure or wide formidable Okun arrangement to
Military officer; Pro-democratic and acceptability; candidates; Okun
bright Lawyer;

Key Trust:
Focus on leadership, knowledge and
empowerment, problem solving and
proactive.
19 Isah, Jubrin Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Very sound and articulate; Mostly private sector, too Other keen Igala Internal zoning
a.k.a Echo- District East; Former Afribank Humility, Igala son of the urbane; EFCC scandal Aspirants; arrangement within
Cho (PDP) Executive Director; Investment Soil; Speaks money; Strong Political Igala; Access to
banker and Chartered Stock Brocker; connection with the greenhorn funds; Youthful
Intelligent and resourceful; 1st class Business world particularly followership
Economics ABU; MSC, MPil, MBA financing;
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

well educated and respected
professional; philanthropic;

Key Trust: Ajaokuta buy back

20 Kadiri, Alex Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial A political gladiator; an old Not generally acceptable Perceived too Strong
(PDP) District; Fmr. Senator; Fmr. Health hand in Kogi Politics; wide even in his homeland many enemies understanding of
Commissioner in Old Benue; Former reach across the state; within PDP; Kogi politics; Igala
Lecturer and award recipients Comprehensive 8 Point zoning arrangement
national and international; agenda;
Experienced Administrator and
Politician; ICT Trendy;

Key Trust: Comprehensive 8 Point

agenda covering Justice and Liberty,
Helath Services, Youth Development,
Education, Agriculture, Rural
Development & Industry, Labour,
Employment & Wages, Human
Rights & the Dignity of the Individual
21 Kutepa, Alhaji Lokoja LGA; Kogi West Senatorial Long involvement in Kogi Could be cold and shrewd; Major threat Closeness to Gov.
Abdurazaq Isa District; International Business man, PDP; part of reconciliatory Some question his financial from Okun in the Idris; Very deep
(PDP) Fmr. Banker, financial Executive, efforts that brought back sources; Could be elitist; same senatorial pockets; West/East
Chairman & CEO of an Oil producing ANPP/AC returnees to PDP; district; if the East Antidote
and exporting company; Interests in Wealthy and has strong refuse Power
Telecommunications; Philanthropic; financial base; Articulate and shift;
close ally of Governor Idris shrewd; Professional; Acceptability
Philanthropic; tacit support question in
Key Trust: Infrastructural from Governor; Could swing Central and
Development (Tourism, Solid votes from Lokoja/ majority part of
Minerals, Electricity, Ajaokuta) Kotonkarfe Constituency and West senatorial
Bassa LGA; districts;
22 Maha, Chief Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Administrative knowledge
Simeon (PDP) District; Nigeria’s Ambassador to
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

South Korea; Fmr LGA Chairman;
Fmr member constituent assembly;
Rtd public servant;

Key Trust: Education, Socio-

Economic well being, the Civil
Service, Transparency and
Accountability
23 Mohamed, Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Experience in Media; Political green horn; Presence of more Wide connections;
Yakubu (PDP) zone, Founding Editor Newswatch; a Perceived as a man of high experienced and Could benefit from
thorough and an Accomplished integrity; Close to major buoyant zoning arrangement
journalist; a Social Democrat players like IBB and others politicians; power in Igala land;
shift arrangement
Key Trust: Economic, social and
political Reform anchored on
qualitative education; qualitative
health service system and integrated
rural development;
24 Musa, Col. Kogi East Senatorial District; Fmr. Has money to play wt; could May be too principled for Presence of othe Could benefit from
Gabriel Military Intelligence Officer; benefit from Igala zoning some stakeholders; Fear that Igala contestants; zoning arrangement
Oduma (PDP) professional; Highly principled system; Articulate and a he is too learned and can’t power shift in Igala land; could
Christian – perceived a good be corrected; Perceived as arrangement use insider
Key Trust: Not Clear omen amongst Igala’s who very economical information to
don’t mind a Christian damage other
Governor now candidates;
25 Ocholi, Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Perceived as very Intelligent Presence of more
Barrister District; Successful Lawyer and and Godly No money; Political green experienced and Highly regarded
James Eneojo Senior Advocate of Nigeria; Well horn; buoyant amongst his kin
(SAN) (PDP) known in Christian circles; moral politicians; power
high ground and God fearing shift arrangement

Key Trust: Enforce Taxation from all

taxable persons, digitise criminal
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT
Candidate Background LGA
investigations
26 Ogrima, Chief
Sule Raji (PDP)
27 Ojo, Abiodun Ijumu LGA; Kogi West Senatorial
(PDP) District; Fmr Commissioner for
Finance, Fmr House of Reps
Member; Incumbent Commissioner
for Agriculture; Grassroots politician
Key Trust: Not Clear
28 Ojo, Chief Ijumu LGA; Kogi West Senatorial
Bayo (SAN) District ; Former NBA President,
(PDP) former Minister of Justice and
Attorney General; 1st Nigerian
elected to UK Chartered institute of
Arbitrators; represents Nigeria at
UNs International Law Commission,
Geneva, Switzerland A successful
Lawyer with wide international
connections; has old reliable ties to
various communities.
Key Trust: Agriculture as Revenue
earner; Youth Empowerment and
Employment; Infrastructure and
Mineral development
29 Okpanachi, Ofu LGA; Kogi East Senatorial
Elder Ubolo District; Fmr. Accountant General
(PDP) Kogi State; Fmr. Board Member Kogi
Savings and Loans Ltd; Masters
degree holder in Public
Administration; Associate Member
Chartered Institute of Taxation;
Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities
Speaks money; Grassroots EFCC corruption charges; Generally not Maybe money
politician particularly in the Perceived as irresponsibly perceived as a
West; Dogged fighter; corrupt; Could be crass; pilfering
member of Governor’s chronic womanizer (last magnate; Other
kitchen cabinet count of not less than 20 Okun
legally married wives) contestants; Igala
factor
Friendly with Gov Idris; Perceived lack of grassroots Presence of Power shift
Intelligent; machinery; Still coloured by strong arrangement to
Exposure, experience, OBJ’s failed third time bid contenders from Okun; Highly
connection, probity, the West; Igala respected individual;
humility; Liberal with money factor OBJ factor
(at least for his supporters);
high sense of Patriotism;
Well respected across board;
Tacit support from OBJ PDP
camp
Has held some form of Implicated in looting of N500 Presence of other Political Relevance
relevance in the state and million monthly while as intimidating
still have staunch loyalists; Accountant General through aspirants
will sweep Ofu votes ghost workers; EFCC & ICPC
trail on sudden wealth ;
generally no clean records in
the state generally
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

Fellow Institute of Chartered
Accountants; Former staff of Office
of Accountant General Abuja;

Key Trust: Not Clear

30 Olafemi, Hon. Mopamuro LGA; Kogi West
Clarence Senatorial District: Incumbent
(PDP) Speaker State House of Assembly;
Fmr. Acting Governor; Fmr. Minority
Leader, 1st class graduate of
Mathematics and Computer science;
Fmr Manager Air Liquide; Grassroots
politician
Key Trust: Experience as Acting
Governor and as Speaker;
31 Salawu, Dr. Okenne LGA: Kogi Central Senatorial
Philip (PDP) District; Incumbent Deputy
Governor; Ibro Loyalist; Chartered
Accountant
Key Trust: Experience as Deputy
Governor for 8 years;
Incumbent Speaker of House
of Assembly; Perceived as
Intelligent; Having dispensed
favours may get support
from State Legislators and
council Chairmen & other
current office holders
particularly in West; Could
be a spoiler; Patronage of
crass politicians – who are in
the majority; Down to earth
and fraternity “Obembe”
culture; Perceived to have
been helpful to Gov. Ibro’s
re-election as Governor;
Stronghold in the 3 Council
Yagba Constituency and
Okene; Deep pockets
Incumbent Deputy Governor
(8) years; He is in
Government and
understands the current
system; May have support of
Governor and key traditional
institutions in Ebira land;
Could neutralize East / West
debacle
Accusations of financial Presence of Power shift
impropriety; supporters strong Okun arrangement to
mostly current office contenders; East Okun; could leverage
holders; Known to give to Senatorial District on favours;
intoxicating excesses; Crass not agreeing to Incumbency
politics; Could be quite Power shit; Slimy
uncultured backing by
incumbent
Governor
Not generally loved / trusted The Okuns; the Incumbency; Okun
by the Central; Perception Igalas; Slimy and Igala dead lock
that he offers more of the backing from
same as current Governor
government; No critical mass
grassroots support; Not
known for being open
handed; Not considered a
major advantage to the
Central, besides, Ebira will
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 HOW THEY STAND - Kogi Gubernatorial Aspirants SWOT

Candidate Background LGA Strength Weaknesses Threats Opportunities

rather wait and defend their
rightful turn in the next
dispensation;
32 Shaibu, Dr Dekina, Kogi East Senatorial District; Speaks money, liked for EFCC trail for corruption;
Sani Teidi former Accountant General and generosity deceptive and not quite
(PDP) Director Pension office straight forward; don’t have
trust of his people
Key Trust: Security if live and
property; peaceful reconciliation
among ethnic groups in Kogi;
sensitisation and rehabilitation of
youths away from thuggery
33 Suru, Barr. Yagba-West LGA; Kogi West
Bamidele Senatorial District; Former
(PDP) Commissioner Solid Minerals, Kogi
State

Key Trust: Not Clear

34 Ugbane, Sen. Dekina LGA; Kogi East Senatorial Incumbent Senator; EFCC trail on 5.2B Rural Power shift His popularity in the
Nicholas District; incumbent two time generous, loved by his Electrification scandal arrangement; east
Yahaya (PDP) Senator; Fmr Commissioner of people; Has native
Finance intelligence

Key Trust: Not Clear

35 Usman, Barr.
Aliu (PDP)

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