By Dada Ahmed.
Exco and members of the forum during their August 2025 meeting in Lokoja.
The political atmosphere in Kogi State is once again heating up as conversations shift toward the prospects of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo securing a second term in office. While the governor has barely settled into the challenges of governance, interest groups, political analysts, and community leaders are already setting the stage for what may become one of the most decisive contests in the history of Kogi politics. At the heart of this preparation lies the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum, a socio-political pressure group that appears poised to play a defining role in shaping Ododo’s political future.
The Kogi Central Think Tank Forum is no stranger to political strategy and grassroots mobilization. Comprised of intellectuals, professionals, community leaders, and seasoned politicians, the Forum has steadily carved a niche for itself as a voice of reason in the often heated political discourse of the state. Its influence stretches beyond Kogi Central, making it a formidable stakeholder in any conversation about power, governance, and succession.
For Governor Ododo, whose political journey has been largely tied to his predecessor’s structures and goodwill, the challenge is to transform goodwill into independent legitimacy. A second term would not be handed to him automatically; it must be earned through strategic governance, public trust, and the consolidation of political alliances. This is where the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum becomes crucial,by bridging the gap between government actions and public expectations.
Analysts believe that the Forum’s first task is narrative building. Ododo’s achievements, policies, and initiatives must be well-documented, projected, and communicated in a manner that resonates with the average voter. In an era where misinformation spreads faster than verified facts, the absence of strong narrative framing can easily distort public perception. By becoming the vanguard of Ododo’s performance storytelling, the Forum can lay the foundation for wider acceptance of his leadership.
Secondly, the Forum holds the potential to galvanize grassroots support. Kogi politics, like that of most Nigerian states, is deeply rooted in community mobilization and ethnic solidarity. While Ododo hails from Kogi Central, his second-term ambition cannot thrive on regional loyalty alone. The Think Tank Forum must therefore expand its mobilization strategies to reach Kogi East and Kogi West, ensuring that Ododo is seen as a governor for all and not just a sectional leader.
Another key role is policy evaluation and feedback. One of the strongest criticisms against many political leaders is their inability to create platforms where citizens can constructively evaluate government policies. If the Forum establishes a mechanism for collating public feedback, analyzing government performance, and advising on corrective measures, Ododo would stand out as a listening governor—an image that is invaluable during re-election campaigns.
Economic empowerment will also feature prominently in the Forum’s strategy. Unemployment, poverty, and youth restiveness remain burning issues across Kogi State. The Forum’s ability to champion innovative economic policies, entrepreneurship schemes, and strategic partnerships that directly benefit ordinary citizens will reinforce Ododo’s reputation as a people-centered leader. A second term cannot be won on rhetoric alone; it must be anchored on visible improvements in people’s lives.
Political inclusion is another area where the Think Tank Forum can make a difference. Governor Ododo’s political survival depends on his ability to unite diverse interests. Women, youth, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups all wield significant influence. The Forum’s role in facilitating inclusive dialogues, power-sharing arrangements, and participatory governance will ensure that no group feels alienated in Ododo’s administration.
In addition, the Forum can act as a shield against political distractions. Nigerian politics is notorious for internal party wrangling, propaganda, and opposition plots. With a strong and coordinated Think Tank, Ododo can focus on governance while his allies manage narratives, debunk falsehoods, and neutralize political sabotage. In doing so, the Forum becomes not just a strategy hub but also a political firewall.
The Kogi Central Think Tank Forum also has an intellectual responsibility: producing policy papers, conducting research, and offering expert advice on governance. Beyond campaigns and mobilization, the sustainability of Ododo’s legacy depends on visionary policies that address education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security. The Forum’s intellectual capital can help Ododo design and implement policies that outlive his administration and cement his reputation as a transformative leader.
However, the Forum’s role is not without challenges. The danger of sycophancy, elite capture, and personal interest politics looms large in any political arrangement of this nature. For the Forum to remain credible, it must strike a delicate balance between loyalty to Ododo and honesty in feedback. Sugarcoating failures will only weaken the governor’s chances, while constructive criticism can strengthen governance and public trust.
Furthermore, the Forum must recognize the dynamics of inter-ethnic politics in Kogi State. Ododo’s second-term bid will require delicate negotiations with Kogi East, which has historically produced governors and still wields electoral strength. Building trust and alliances across the state, rather than projecting a narrow ethnic agenda, will be key to ensuring broad-based support.
The digital space presents another battleground. In today’s world, politics is as much fought online as it is offline. The Forum must therefore embrace digital activism, social media engagement, and online reputation management. The narratives about Ododo’s performance, vision, and personality must trend positively across platforms to influence the youth population, which constitutes a large voting bloc.
Ultimately, Governor Ododo’s second term will depend on a mixture of performance, perception, and political strategy. While his government must deliver tangible results in governance, the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum has the responsibility of amplifying those results, correcting misperceptions, and mobilizing critical support across all divides.
As 2027 inches closer, the question is not just whether Ododo will seek a second term,it is how effectively he will convince the electorate that he deserves it. If the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum rises to its full potential, it could become the backbone of a successful re-election campaign and a model for strategic political engagement in Nigeria.
Ahmed is the Public Relations Officer for the Kogi Central Think Tank Forum, KCTTF.
