A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and notable humanitarian, Asiwaju Olatunji Olusoji, has advised the Okun nation in Kogi State to shelve immediate governorship ambitions and focus on building a united political front towards 2031.
Olusoji made the call while addressing a select group of newsmen in Lokoja over the weekend, warning against a repeat of previous electoral errors that undermined the zone’s quest for power.
The philanthropist emphasised the need for Okunland to forge a solid and united political structure capable of effective bargaining, rather than engaging in fragmented politics that continues to undermine their collective political influence.
While expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform policies, Olusoji acknowledged that Nigerians were currently experiencing difficulties but assured that the initiatives would ultimately yield positive outcomes.
He argued that unless the Okun people resolved internal differences and presented a common front, their aspiration to produce Kogi State’s governor would remain unfulfilled.
Drawing lessons from the 2023 gubernatorial contest, Olusoji noted that while Kogi Central and Kogi East zones rallied behind single candidates, the Okun nation fragmented its votes by fielding several contenders across various political platforms—a strategy that proved counterproductive.
The trained mechanical engineer and businessman denied insinuations that his charitable activities were motivated by political calculations, insisting he harboured no ambition for elective positions.
According to him, his commitment to humanitarian work was rooted in his background and firsthand encounters with hardship during his formative years.
He disclosed that since its inception in 2013, the Olusoji Olatunji Foundation has continued to execute welfare programmes across Okunland, providing educational support, relief materials, and development projects, especially in Ayere communities within Ijumu Local Government Area.
Affirming his allegiance to the ruling party, Olusoji expressed willingness to undertake any responsibility assigned by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as long as it advances the welfare of the people.
He also challenged young people to prioritise education, describing it as an indispensable tool for securing a brighter future.
On matters of national security and ongoing government reforms, the APC stalwart defended the policies as essential, while advocating greater deployment of advanced technology in strengthening the country’s security framework.
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