2027: KEDDA Sets Up 7-Man Panel to Screen Kogi East Senatorial Aspirants

By Odimayo Olattunde, Kogi

The Kogi East Districts Development Association (KEDDA) has constituted a seven-member screening and engagement committee to assess the credibility, competence and development vision of candidates seeking to represent the district in the Senate in the January 16, 2027 National Assembly election.

The President-General of KEDDA, Aaron Omaye, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend, detailing resolutions reached at the association’s meeting.

Omaye said the committee had been mandated to coordinate the engagement process with all senatorial candidates and submit its report to the association’s General Assembly on or before November 21, 2026.

He stressed that KEDDA remained a non-partisan, non-religious and inclusive community development organization, whose overriding interest was the peace, unity and prosperity of Kogi East.

According to him, the association would engage all candidates seeking the Kogi East senatorial seat, irrespective of their political party affiliations, as part of efforts to promote issue-based politics and quality representation.

He explained that the exercise was designed to examine the candidates’ capacity, credibility, competence and understanding of the development challenges confronting the district.

The KEDDA leader said the engagement would also provide an opportunity to evaluate the candidates’ policy proposals and commitment to addressing the needs and aspirations of their constituents.

He added that particular attention would be paid to candidates’ understanding of and commitment to Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which stipulates that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

Omaye maintained that the initiative was not intended to advance the interest of any political party or candidate but to ensure that the people of Kogi East made informed choices in the forthcoming election.

He said the association was determined to promote a credible electoral process capable of producing competent, accountable and development-oriented leadership for the district.

The President-General further assured residents that KEDDA would remain committed to its non-partisan position throughout the engagement process, adding that the committee’s recommendations would be presented to the General Assembly for consideration.

He also called on all senatorial candidates, political parties and their supporters to cooperate with the committee and embrace peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 elections.

The association urged political actors to focus their campaigns on development policies, competence and practical solutions to the challenges facing the district rather than resorting to violence, ethnic profiling, hate speech or other divisive tendencies.

KEDDA expressed optimism that the initiative would strengthen democratic participation, encourage issue-based political engagement and help position Kogi East for effective representation in the 11th National Assembly.