By Olugbenga Salami
A civil society group, the Kogi East Political and Economic Summit Group, has declared support for Senator Jibrin Isa Echocho ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing his record of constituency projects and legislative influence.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, Convener of the group, Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, said the endorsement comes amid controversy surrounding the All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial primary for Kogi East Senatorial District.
Jacob accused unnamed political interests of sponsoring media campaigns to discredit the senator. He alleged that the critics are acting on behalf of elements within the Kogi State Government seeking to influence the outcome of the APC primary.
“Everything they mentioned is not in line with the truth. Senator Jibrin Isa Echocho has helped to polish the image of the APC in Kogi East,” Jacob said.
The group listed projects it said were facilitated by the senator across Kogi East, including hospitals, school buildings, boreholes, road construction, and agricultural support programmes.
It also cited Echocho’s ranking and committee leadership in the National Assembly, saying the positions have helped attract federal appointments and opportunities to the district.
“Anybody who says Senator Jibril Isa has not done anything should go and verify these projects in the constituency,” another member of the group said.
On the zoning debate, the organisation rejected calls to rotate the Kogi East senatorial seat out of the district. It argued that Kogi East remains politically disadvantaged, citing its population size and the absence of governorship representation from the zone.
The group noted that the APC leadership has yet to announce an official winner of the senatorial primary. It appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other party leaders to ensure a transparent and credible process.
“The best the APC can do for us in Kogi East is to return Senator Echocho,” the group added.
The development comes as political consultations and realignments intensify in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 elections.
