APC senatorial candidate assures traditional rulers, political leaders and residents of his commitment to constituency development ahead of 2027 election
By Yahaya Idris
The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kogi East, Chief (Dr.) Joseph Ameh Erico, has pledged to prioritise constituency development, pursue federal employment opportunities and support security initiatives across the district if elected to the Senate in 2027.
Erico made the pledge during a visit to Omala Local Government Area, where he met traditional rulers, political leaders, party supporters and community stakeholders who highlighted the area’s development needs and expressed their expectations of his senatorial ambition.
The visit included a stop at the palace of the Onu-Ife and Chairman of the Omala Traditional Council, HRH Chief Boniface Musa, who received the candidate alongside other traditional rulers.
Traditional Ruler Charges Erico on Constituency Welfare
During the palace visit, the traditional ruler reminded the senatorial hopeful that the welfare of the people must remain the central responsibility of anyone seeking public office.
He urged Erico to incorporate Omala and other communities across Igala land into his development plans, stressing that elected representatives must prioritise the needs and interests of their constituents.
In response, Erico expressed appreciation to the traditional ruler and other royal fathers for the warm reception, recalling his previous visits to the palace during earlier political engagements.
He described the people of Omala as trustworthy and dependable, assuring the traditional institution that the local government would receive attention in his development agenda if he secured election to the National Assembly.
Omala Lawmaker Assures Candidate of APC Support
At the main gathering, the member representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar Yahaya, described the people of Omala as politically committed and willing to stand by decisions reached collectively.
Yahaya assured Erico of the support of Omala APC stakeholders, expressing confidence that party members would mobilise behind the candidate during the 2027 senatorial election.
He also cited Erico’s experience in the private security sector as a potential asset in addressing security challenges confronting Omala and other communities across Kogi East.
According to him, the candidate’s professional background could contribute to discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening security and protecting lives and property throughout the district.
Council Chairman Highlights Omala’s Development Needs
The Executive Chairman of Omala Local Government Area, Hon. Edibo Ameh Mark, commended the Kogi State Government for its interventions in tackling security concerns since the beginning of his administration.
Mark also assured Erico of the support of the people, stating that youths, women and elders were united behind the senatorial aspiration.
However, the council chairman drew attention to the development challenges confronting the local government, calling for greater attention to infrastructure, security and economic opportunities.
“The development of our dear local government area is not where we want it to be yet. We need more attention in terms of infrastructure, security and opportunities for our people,” the chairman said.
“We are asking Chief Erico to make Omala an important part of his development agenda because we are confident of his victory, by God’s grace.”
Mark expressed optimism about Erico’s proposed representation, citing his previous engagements with the people as reasons for his confidence.
Other speakers at the gathering similarly called for increased development interventions in Omala, particularly in road infrastructure, security, youth empowerment and employment opportunities.
They also pledged to mobilise their supporters for the APC candidate ahead of the forthcoming election.
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Erico Promises Federal Jobs and Development Opportunities
Addressing the gathering, Erico thanked the people for their reception, patience and turnout, reiterating his commitment to improving the welfare of constituents across the nine local government areas that make up Kogi East Senatorial District.
Describing Omala as his second home, the APC candidate said he understood the expectations of the people and would work towards ensuring that the area benefited from federal development initiatives and opportunities.
“Though I’m not here for campaign yet but the crowd I’m seeing already tells the story. Omala is my second home, and I will not forget the people. If given the opportunity to serve, I will ensure that the area benefits from development initiatives and other opportunities available through the National Assembly,” he said.
Erico explained that his ambition was driven by the desire to provide effective representation and help constituents access federal programmes capable of improving their livelihoods.
He specifically pledged to pursue federal employment opportunities for qualified constituents, particularly young people, whom he said deserved improved access to jobs and other avenues for economic advancement.
The candidate also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting security efforts across Kogi East, noting that peace and safety were essential to economic growth, community development and the wellbeing of residents.
His remarks followed calls from community leaders for greater government attention to the security and infrastructure challenges affecting Omala and other parts of the district.
Erico Donates ₦5 Million at Omala Gathering
As part of his support for the gathering, Erico donated ₦5 million towards the event.
The occasion also featured cultural performances by various groups, showcasing the cultural heritage and identity of the people of Omala.
Among the dignitaries at the visit were Chief Hon. Alih Ajuh; Hon. Ibrahim Yakubu Aboh; Hon. Unekwu Akubo; Hon. Moses Idoko Ododo; Hon. Gabriel Olofu; Chief Hon. Rabiu Alfa; Hon. Arome Adoji; Hon. Nasir Alfa; Hon. Friday Nicodemus Adejoh; Hon. Rai Daniel; and Hon. John Adama, alongside other political leaders and stakeholders.
The visit comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, with constituency development, employment, infrastructure and security emerging as key issues raised by community representatives during the engagement.
Erico’s pledges, if elected, would be subject to the relevant federal processes, available resources and the responsibilities of the National Assembly. His proposed development agenda will ultimately be assessed against the commitments made and the results delivered to constituents.