Kogi Group Rejects LGA Chairman’s Claim, Rallies Support for Kutepa’s Governorship Bid
By Yahaya Idris
A socio-political association under the aegis of Kogi Concerned Group has cautioned the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Barrister Zacchaeus Dare Michael, against making sweeping political claims on behalf of the people of Kogi West, insisting that he neither represents their democratic culture nor their core value. The Group declared that recent comments credited to the council boss on the 2027 governorship race are self-serving and do not reflect the position of the broader Kogi West populace.
In a statement signed by its convener, Omolehin Thaddeus, the Group reiterated its unequivocal support for the governorship aspiration of Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, describing him as a highly accomplished technocrat whose track record in business, human capital development and philanthropy places him far above narrow ethnic or “turn-by-turn” political considerations.
According to the statement, the agitation for Kutepa’s emergence as governor of Kogi State is rooted in the quest for quality leadership and good governance, not in any rotational or sectional arrangement as canvassed by Barr. Dare.
The Group expressed shock that the Kabba/Bunu chairman would openly champion what it termed a “turn-by-turn arrangement” for the governorship seat, instead of aligning with the call for the state to field its best and most competent material in 2027.
“It stressed that at a time when Kogi is grappling with serious developmental challenges, governance must be anchored on competence, vision and proven capacity, not on political convenience or primordial sentiment. “We, the people of Kogi State who are agitating for Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa, are doing so on the basis of his profile and capacity to make Kogi State a reference point and an example in good governance; that is the reason for the clamour,” the statement noted.
Questioning Barr. Dare’s moral authority to speak for Kogi West, the Group asked, “Who is he deciding for?” and maintained that the chairman should first address what it described as his “poor showing” in office as council boss before attempting to prescribe leadership for the entire senatorial district. It accused him of hiding behind political rhetoric to mask his alleged abysmal performance, adding that his public commentary on the 2027 race is at odds with the expectations of a people yearning for credible and transformational leadership.
The Group insisted that no single individual, especially one with what it called a questionable scorecard, can arrogate to himself the power to speak for the collective will of Kogi West.
Highlighting Kutepa’s credentials, the statement described him as an oil mogul, accomplished entrepreneur and notable philanthropist who has distinguished himself in Nigeria’s energy sector. It recalled that Kutepa, as Chairman of Waltersmith Petroman Oil Limited, has successfully led the company to develop the Ibigwe field in Imo State, establish a 5,000 barrels per day modular refinery and embark on an ongoing expansion to 40,000 barrels per day.
In addition, he has previously served as Chairman of the influential Independent Petroleum Producers Group (IPPG), further entrenching his status as a key player in the industry.
The Group pointed out that Kutepa’s wide-ranging accomplishments demonstrate his ability to conceptualise, execute and sustain large-scale projects, the kind of experience it says Kogi urgently needs.
The Group added that Kutepa’s footprint extends beyond the boardroom, as he has consistently invested in science education, youth empowerment and community development initiatives, particularly in Kogi State.
Through his foundation and other interventions, he has supported schools, educational programmes and social initiatives aimed at raising the standard of living of ordinary citizens.
The statement noted that one of his notable philanthropic projects includes the provision of clean and potable water in several communities across Kogi, a gesture that has reportedly improved public health and reduced the burden on rural dwellers who previously trekked long distances in search of water.
For the Group, these interventions underscore a deep sense of social responsibility and a genuine commitment to the welfare of his people.
According to the Kogi Concerned Group, Kutepa is today widely regarded as one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s energy sector, with over 30 years of robust experience that cuts across operations, management, investment and policy engagement.
It observed that his contributions to the industry and the wider economy have not gone unnoticed, as he has been recognised with several honours and awards, including his investiture as an Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic [OFR].
The statement further noted that he was recently listed among the “Movers and Shakers” of 2025, a recognition the Group said reflects his influence, innovation and leadership at both national and international levels.
The statement also shed light on Kutepa’s educational and professional background, describing him as a thoroughbred professional with solid academic training and extensive exposure to global best practices.
It explained that he has built his career on continuous learning, strategic thinking and adherence to high ethical standards, qualities that are reinforced by his membership of respected professional bodies such as the Society of Petroleum Engineers [SPE] and the Institute of Directors [IoD].
For the Group, these affiliations are proof that Kutepa operates within structured, regulated and performance-driven environments, which they believe will translate into disciplined and accountable governance if he is entrusted with the leadership of Kogi State.
While emphasising that Kutepa is well exposed and deeply grounded in both human and capital development, the Group maintained that he is equally rooted in public administration and organisational management.
It argued that Kogi is in dire need of a tested manager who can navigate the complex socio-economic terrain of the state, stabilise its finances, harness its opportunities and systematically address its myriad challenges.
In its view, Kutepa possesses these qualities in abundance, combining vision with practical experience in resource management, infrastructure development and stakeholder engagement. The Group stated that such a blend of competence, exposure and managerial acumen is non-negotiable for anyone aspiring to govern a state as diverse and strategic as Kogi.
The Group lamented that despite Kogi State’s rich and abundant human and natural resources, successive leaderships have failed to translate this endowment into tangible growth and prosperity for the people.
It argued that years of poor choices and weak institutions have left the state underperforming relative to its potential, especially when compared with other states that have leveraged similar or even fewer resources to drive development.
According to the statement, this sobering reality underscores the urgency of enthroning leaders who bring experience, vision and the temperament of seasoned administrators to the table. It insisted that the 2027 election offers an opportunity to reset the governance architecture of the state and place it on a sustainable path of growth.
Reinforcing its position, the Kogi Concerned Group stated that its support for a Kutepa governorship is anchored squarely on the ideals of good and quality governance, rather than on any turn-by-turn or entitlement mentality as, it alleged, is being promoted by “one self-styled person whose performance was a total failure as chairman.”
The Group said it would be a tragic error for Kogi people to subordinate competence to sentiment at such a critical juncture in the state’s history, warning that doing so would only perpetuate the cycle of underdevelopment.
Instead, it called on citizens across the three senatorial districts to rally behind aspirants with verifiable records of performance, integrity and service.
The statement further challenged Barr. Dare to subject his administration’s performance in Kabba/Bunu to open scrutiny by comparing the state capital, Lokoja, and indeed his own council, with other state capitals and local governments across the country.
It demanded that he publicly disclose the yardsticks by which he rates his stewardship and that of his preferred political arrangement, insisting that the people are no longer willing to accept excuses in place of results.
“We urge the chairman to mirror Lokoja, the state capital, with other state capitals in the country and do a comparison. Barr. Dare should tell us his yardsticks for comparison. The West deserves the best,” the Group declared.
Restating its resolve, the Kogi Concerned Group affirmed that the people of Kogi West and, by extension, Kogi State, are determined to back candidates who embody excellence, capacity and a clear vision for development. It urged political actors to refrain from divisive rhetoric and align instead with the collective aspiration for a state that works for all, irrespective of ethnic, religious or sectional affiliation.
The Group concluded that as the 2027 governorship race gathers momentum, it will continue to mobilise stakeholders, sensitise the electorate and defend what it described as the legitimate demand for a competent, visionary and people-focused leader in the person of Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isa Kutepa.
