Governor Ododo and Ajaka’s Reconciliation: A Turning Point in Kogi’s Political Culture

By Dada Ahmed.

L-R: Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka & Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
(C) MLC TV.
Politics in Nigeria has, over the years, been characterised by bitterness, deep division and prolonged hostility, particularly after elections. In many states, political opponents often become permanent enemies, while their supporters continue to fan the embers of discord long after the ballots have been counted.
However, the recent reconciliation between Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Murtala Yakubu Ajaka at the Government House in Lokoja offers a refreshing and inspiring lesson for politicians and their supporters in Kogi State and beyond. Ajaka’s courtesy visit to Lugard House was not merely symbolic; it represented a significant step towards healing political divisions and promoting unity in the state.

Ajaka, who contested the 2023 governorship election under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has now returned to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a development many political observers regard as a positive sign for peace, reconciliation and consolidation within the ruling party.

Without doubt, the meeting between the two political gladiators was far more than an ordinary political gathering. It symbolised maturity, forgiveness and the understanding that election is “not a do or die affair” and that it should not permanently destroy relationships or divide society.

The sight of former rivals exchanging warm smiles and embracing peace conveyed a powerful message that politics should ultimately be about service to the people rather than personal ambition.

The 2023 governorship election in Kogi State was one of the fierce political contests in the state’s recent history. Emotions ran high, supporters were sharply divided on ethnic and other divisive expressions, while political camps battled intensely for victory. In the end, Governor Ododo of the APC emerged victorious, while Ajaka of the SDP finished second.

Like many fiercely contested elections in Nigeria, tensions persisted even after the official declaration of results. Yet, instead of allowing political disagreements to become permanent scars, both leaders have now chosen the path of reconciliation and unity.

Ajaka’s decision to return to the APC and publicly declare that he no longer harbours grudges against Governor Ododo has certainly gladdened the hearts of peace-loving Kogites. His action reflects uncommon political courage, maturity and a willingness to place the overall interest of the state above personal differences.

Governor Ododo’s response during the meeting equally demonstrates statesmanship. By emphasising unity and the collective responsibility of building a greater Kogi State, he showed that leadership extends beyond electoral triumph. In a political environment where resentment and rivalry often linger for years, such a gesture deserves commendation.

Politicians, particularly those in Kogi State, must draw valuable lessons from this encouraging development.

First and foremost, democracy is not warfare. Elections are contests of ideas, visions and leadership capacity, not battles that should create lifelong enemies. After every election, the ultimate victor should be the people themselves.

Sadly, politics in many parts of Nigeria frequently degenerates into hatred, character assassination and destructive rivalry capable of slowing development and weakening social cohesion.

The reconciliation between Ododo and Ajaka should therefore mark a new chapter in Kogi’s political culture.

Political actors across party lines must realise that no society can make meaningful progress in an atmosphere dominated by endless conflict and bitterness. Development flourishes where peace, cooperation and collective responsibility exist. Investors are naturally attracted to stable societies, while communities prosper when leaders work together despite political differences.

True leadership involves carrying everyone along, including former opponents, in the interest of peace, stability and development. Such an approach is capable of reducing political tension and strengthening public confidence in This is what the recent reconciliation between the governor and Ajaka depicts.

Equally important is the message this reconciliation sends to political supporters. In many situations, politicians settle their differences while supporters continue fighting on social media, in communities and even within families.

Supporters must therefore understand that politics should never destroy human relationships. If political leaders can shake hands after a difficult election, ordinary citizens should not turn themselves into enemies because of differing political views.

Kogi State, richly blessed with abundant human and natural resources, needs unity far more than division. The state possesses enormous potential to emerge as a major economic and industrial hub in North Central Nigeria,if not Nigeria as at large. However, political instability and needless rivalries can hinder such progress. When leaders devote more energy to fighting opponents than addressing unemployment, infrastructure deficits, healthcare and education, it is the people who ultimately suffer.

This development also offers an important lesson to younger politicians and aspiring leaders.
Politics should not be driven solely by desperation for power.

There must always be room for dialogue, compromise and respect for democratic outcomes. Losing an election should not signal the end of political relevance, just as victory should never breed arrogance. Democracy thrives best when leaders accept both success and defeat with maturity.

Another vital lesson lies in the need to prioritise the future of Kogi State above personal ambition. Political offices are temporary, but the impact of peace and unity can endure for generations. History often remembers leaders who build bridges rather than those who sow division. By embracing reconciliation, Ododo and Ajaka have demonstrated that political competition can end without hatred or bitterness.

Across the world, societies that have achieved enduring development have often done so because leaders placed public interest above personal ego and political rivalry.

From national governments to local communities, progress becomes easier when people unite around common goals and shared aspirations.

Kogi politicians should therefore see this reconciliation as an opportunity to reduce toxic politics and embrace issue-based engagement capable of moving the state forward.

There is also a profound moral lesson in this development. Forgiveness remains one of the strongest pillars of leadership and peaceful coexistence. In politics, where emotions and interests frequently collide, the ability to forgive and move forward is a mark of strength rather than weakness. Ajaka’s declaration that he no longer bears grudges, alongside Ododo’s willingness to welcome him back politically, demonstrates that reconciliation is possible even after intense rivalry.

As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, politicians in Kogi State must resist any temptation to return to divisive politics. Campaigns should focus on ideas, policies and practical solutions to the people’s challenges rather than personal attacks and hostility.

Political actors must remember that, after elections, they will still live together as citizens of the same state.

The people of Kogi State stand to benefit more when politicians cooperate for development instead of engaging in endless political battles.

Roads, schools, hospitals, agriculture, youth empowerment and security should dominate political discourse. Citizens are far more interested in good governance and improved living conditions than prolonged political quarrels.

Ultimately, the reconciliation between Governor Ododo and Murtala Ajaka is more than a political event; it is a powerful reminder that peace is superior to conflict and unity is stronger than division. It offers renewed hope that politics in Kogi State can evolve into a culture where competition ends with mutual respect and where governance becomes the collective responsibility of all stakeholders. If other politicians embrace the same spirit, Kogi State may well be on the path to a more peaceful, united and prosperous future.
Dada Ahmed publishes The Reporters.
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.