By Correspondent in Lokoja.
…Says Bassa People Deserve Fair Deal in Upcoming Election.
A former commissioner and Maaji of Bassa Nge Kingdom, Dr. Tim Nda Diche, has formally declared his intention to contest the senatorial seat in next year’s election, pledging to champion fairness, equity, and inclusive governance for the people of Bassa and Kogi East in general.
Dr. Diche made the declaration on Friday in Lokoja during a consultative meeting at his residence, attended by critical stakeholders, political leaders, traditional figures, and representatives drawn from all major political parties from Bassa and across Kogi State.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Diche lamented what he described as the long-standing marginalization of the Bassa people, stating that it was time for the district to be given a fair chance in the political arrangement of the state.
According to him, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has consistently emphasized balanced representation across all axes of the state, a principle he believes should guide the political decisions ahead of the next election.
“We the people of Bassa have been sidelined for too long in the scheme of things,” he said. “This is the time for us to speak with one voice. I am not here for a personal or regional agenda. I am a bridge-builder and a founding member of the APC. For over 18 years, I have been active on the political stage, and I have planted myself in the minds of our people.”
Dr. Diche stressed that he was offering himself for service because of his unflinching commitment to the welfare of the Bassa people and Kogi East at large.
“Bassa has existed for over 50 years, yet we still struggle for basic representation,” he noted. “Politics should not be about popularity alone. If the government believes in fairness and inclusivity, then Bassa deserves consideration. I am not here to lead for self-interest but to defend the interests of my people.”
He highlighted several infrastructural challenges faced by Bassa, including the neglected federal road in the area, despite representation by multiple senators from the eastern axis.
“Let one of our own be there to speak for us,” he added. “This is not the first time I am contesting for national interest. I have contested for the House of Representatives before. But I am starting again from home because I believe this job must be done. It’s not about me; it’s about the people.”
Dr. Diche appealed for unity among stakeholders, urging those who may not directly support him to at least pray for him and support the collective struggle for fairness.
“If by the grace of God I get the APC ticket, I ask you all—adopt me, stand with me, and let us work together. I will protect the collective interest of Bassa,” he pledged.
Stakeholders who spoke at the meeting counseled him on way forward and appealed to the state government to consider their son, Dr. Diche, whom they described him as a credible representative who understands the struggles of the Bassa people.
One of the stakeholders noted, “We are strongly behind him in every way. He is our own, and we must rally around him.”
Another added, “Some of us here are old politicians, and we are happy today. We finally have someone who can speak out for us. This is not a personal fight but a fight for the people. Collective struggle brings collective results.”
A third speaker stressed on the unity displayed at the meeting, which according to him, “This gathering has no party coloration—we are talking to ourselves as a people. We feel the pain of marginalization, and we must not allow ourselves to be divided. Whoever emerges, let us join hands together.”
The stakeholders later prayed for Dr. Diche, thanking God for giving Bassa a son committed to championing their cause.
Zainab Abdullahi of the Tinubu Hope Initiative also prayed for a stronger political and financial base for the Bassa people, urging continued unity ahead of the election.
