A few days ago, I came across the interview granted Usman Austin Okai, one of the strong political voices in Kogi State, on URAH TV. In his usual character of being blunt and direct, he spoke on the impact a third force may have on the forthcoming Kogi State Gubernatorial elections and this prodded my interest to further, corroborate his assertions, that the third force in Kogi State politics today, is the Labour Party.

With the clannish politics been played by the incumbent administration, the obvious inadequate opposition from the Peoples’ Democratic Party and the inability of political gladiators from Kogi East to foster a common front, it is eminent that the leading political parties are bereft of ideas and have completely lost touch with ideological politics. Hence,the only credible alternative to good governance in Kogi state today, is the third force, which Okai talked about.

With the outcome of the 2023 general elections, the impact of a third force can be mirrored by the percentage of votes garnered, across the regions and party lines. For the first time in the history of our democracy, the foundations of both the ruling party and the main opposition party were shaken, as a result of the emergence of the Labour party and her presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Nigerians are tired of the status quo and are ready to explore credible alternatives that will offer them hope and restitution from the untold hardship, occasioned by insecurity and lack of access to the basic dividends of democracy.

In Kogi State, the story is not any different. Hence, the need to try a new thing come November, 2023. It is time for all Kogites to unite against insecurity, non payment of salaries, lack of social amenities, access to quality education and healthcare. We cannot be doing the same thing, all the time and be expecting different results. The time to take action is here and now.

Mr. Ojochenemi Audu writes from Idah, Kogi State