“I Am Back for the People”: Dr. Tom Ohikere Returns to Kogi Politics After 11 Years

After more than a decade away from active political engagement in Kogi State, former Head of Media for the 2015 Audu/Faleke governorship campaign, Dr. Tom Ohikere, says he is returning to the political arena with a renewed commitment to public service rather than personal ambition.

According to Ohikere, his decision to re-enter Kogi politics is driven by concern over the state’s economic hardship, worsening insecurity, and what he describes as a decline in governance since the political events of 2015.

“I am back, not for revenge or political titles, but for the people,” he declares.

Reflecting on his role during the 2015 governorship election, Ohikere recalls that the Audu/Faleke campaign was anchored on the principle that “the people’s mandate is sacred.” He says his insistence on that principle came at a political cost, leaving him sidelined from the state’s political landscape for 11 years.

From his vantage point outside government, Ohikere says he watched Kogi struggle with rising economic challenges.

He notes that the cost of basic food items has increased dramatically over the past decade, citing the price of a bag of rice, which he says has risen from about ₦18,000 in 2015 to over ₦90,000 today. Other staple foods such as garri, beans, and yam, he argues, have become increasingly unaffordable for many households.

While markets across Lokoja, Okene, Idah and Kabba remain stocked with goods, he observes that dwindling purchasing power has reduced consumer activity.

Ohikere also expresses concern over youth migration, saying many young people are leaving Kogi in search of opportunities elsewhere in Nigeria, even as public debt continues to rise amid what he describes as inadequate investment in roads, healthcare and education.

Speaking on security situation, he argued that many farming communities now operate under constant fear.

He identifies areas such as Bassa, Omala, Dekina and Yagba as communities where insecurity has affected agricultural activities, while alleging that kidnapping has become increasingly common along major highways connecting Lokoja with Abuja, Egbe, Ankpa and Okene.

According to him, the resulting loss of lives and livelihoods should not be accepted as the new normal.

Ohikere argues that political competition in Kogi has increasingly become a struggle between rival camps rather than a contest over policies capable of improving citizens’ lives.

He traces the roots of today’s political divisions to the aftermath of the 2015 governorship election, saying disagreements between supporters of former Governor Yahaya Bello and James Faleke continue to shape political discourse ahead of the 2027 elections.

While politicians debate party structures and political influence, he says ordinary citizens remain focused on more pressing concerns, including affordable food, improved security and economic opportunities.

With the next governorship election approaching, Ohikere acknowledges growing calls for Kogi West to produce the state’s next governor after nearly three decades.

He describes the demand as a legitimate conversation about equity but insists that regional considerations should not overshadow the broader question of leadership capacity and commitment to the welfare of citizens.

“The real issue,” he argues, “is who will put the people first.”

Ohikere says his renewed political engagement will focus on four priority areas:

Strengthening food security by supporting farmers with agricultural inputs, storage facilities and improved protection while reducing excessive levies.

Tackling insecurity through improved protection of highways, farming communities and commercial centres to encourage investment.

Expanding employment opportunities by promoting agro-processing, solid minerals development and cleaner energy initiatives such as Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) to reduce transport costs and stimulate local industries.

Encouraging inclusive leadership that rises above political factions and prioritises unity across Kogi’s diverse communities.

Ohikere says the future of Kogi State depends on placing public interest above political rivalry.

He urges voters to evaluate candidates based on competence, integrity and their capacity to deliver meaningful development rather than political connections or factional loyalties.

“For 11 years, some believed I would remain silent, while others assumed the people would forget,” he says. “They were wrong. I am back because Kogi deserves better. Politics must be about service, not supremacy.”

Ohikere maintains that while contests over party structures may come and go, the struggle to improve the lives of the state’s citizens must remain the ultimate priority.