By Christopher Sunday
The demand for justice is not a demand for favour, and the pursuit of equity is not an attempt to diminish one community in order to elevate another. It is a call for fairness, balance and the recognition that every constituent community deserves a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the collective progress of Kogi East. This is the principle behind the growing call for a fairer distribution of political representation among the three federal constituencies of Dekina, Ankpa and Idah.
The figures presented in the graphic supporting QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman, FNIQS, the ADC senatorial candidate for Kogi East in the 2027 general election, raise an important question about the distribution of political opportunities within the senatorial district. According to the graphic, Dekina Federal Constituency has had 240 months of representation, Ankpa 96 months, while Idah has had just six months.
These figures, as presented, provide a basis for public discussion about political rotation, inclusion and the need to ensure that no constituency feels permanently disadvantaged in the distribution of opportunities to represent the district at the National Assembly.
The argument is straightforward: a united Kogi East must be built on a credible sense of fairness. Unity cannot be sustained merely by appealing to shared ancestry, culture and identity. It must also be reflected in the way political opportunities are distributed and in the willingness of communities to recognise one another’s legitimate aspirations.
Justice demands that every constituency has a fair opportunity. Equity requires that historical circumstances be considered. Equality affirms that every community has a voice. Fairness calls for a system that does not leave any constituency behind. Oneness reminds us that, despite our differences, we belong to one Kogi East.
These principles are complementary, not contradictory. Justice without equity may overlook historical imbalances. Equality without fairness may fail to address unequal circumstances. And unity without inclusion risks becoming a slogan rather than a lived political reality.
For Idah Federal Constituency, the argument for a fair share of representation is therefore an appeal to the collective conscience of Kogi East. It is not necessarily a rejection of the contributions of Dekina or Ankpa, nor should it be interpreted as an invitation to political hostility. Rather, it is a call for all three constituencies to approach the question of representation with maturity, mutual respect and an understanding that the strength of one should not depend on the continued political disadvantage of another.
The message of United Kogi East, Stronger Together is particularly significant at a time when political alliances and electoral calculations are shaping conversations ahead of 2027. A coalition that seeks to unite the people must be able to demonstrate that its principles extend beyond electoral convenience. It must recognise the legitimate interests of its constituent communities and provide room for a fair consideration of their aspirations.
This is where the values of justice, equity, equality, fairness and oneness become more than campaign language. They provide a framework for negotiating political differences without sacrificing the unity of the district.
For QS Aminu Abubakar Suleiman, the challenge is to translate these principles into a credible vision of representation that speaks to the interests of the entire senatorial district. His candidacy offers an opportunity to place the question of equitable representation at the centre of public debate and to encourage a political culture in which every constituency sees itself as an important part of the Kogi East project.
Ultimately, the Senate is not simply a platform for occupying an office. It is an institution through which the interests of the people should be articulated, protected and advanced. The value of representation lies not merely in who occupies the seat, but also in how effectively the office serves the people and strengthens their collective voice.
Kogi East deserves a political arrangement that inspires confidence across its communities. Dekina deserves recognition. Ankpa deserves recognition. Idah deserves recognition. The objective should be to create a district in which every constituency can participate meaningfully in shaping a shared future.
The road to a stronger Kogi East begins with the willingness to confront difficult questions honestly and resolve them fairly. Political maturity requires us to look beyond immediate advantage and consider the kind of political culture we intend to bequeath to the next generation.
A united Kogi East is possible, but unity must be founded on fairness. A stronger Kogi East is achievable, but strength must be shared. And a lasting political future can only be built when justice, equity, equality and fairness become the common ground upon which all our communities stand.
For the 2027 senatorial election, the message is clear: the future of Kogi East must be built together, with no constituency treated as though its aspirations matter less than those of others.
Justice for all. Equal opportunity. Shared prosperity. One Kogi East.
