Incoming Kogi East Senator, Erico, defies political rivalry, visits election opponent in Abuja for unity, peace

By Clement Omanibe, Abuja

The spirit of honesty, solidarity, mutual respect, unity, peace and brotherhood took centre stage during a special visit by Chief (Dr.) Ameh Erico to former Managing Director of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, Alhaji Alfa Mohammed, on Wednesday, during the three-day Fidau prayers in honour of his late father.

Chief Erico, the incoming All Progressives Congress (APC) Senator for Kogi East, joined family members, friends and well-wishers at Mohammed’s Ministers Hill residence in Abuja to offer his condolences.

Chief Erico and Alhaji Mohammed had earlier locked horns during the APC senatorial primary held in May 2026, in which Erico emerged victorious.

He, however, set aside their political rivalry to pay the condolence visit, demonstrating his commitment to peace, unity, solidarity and people-oriented leadership.

In his remarks, Erico said political contests and rivalries should never override the values of unity, peace, brotherhood and mutual respect.

Some Igala elites present were Engineer Musa Wada, a former Kogi State governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr. Sunday Atabo, convener of Urah TV, alongside other distinguished personalities.

“At a time when unity within the party remains important, a moment like this reminds us that we may contest politically, but we remain one family,” Chief Erico said.

“May Allah grant the deceased Aljanatul Firdaus and give the family the strength to bear the loss,” he added.

In his remarks, Alhaji Mohammed appreciated Chief Erico whom he described as a man with a large heart and who always has the love of his people at heart.

“Our incoming Senator, distinguished Erico, is a people-oriented man. His passion for people is unspeakable. He has just demonstrated this with his visit today to empathise with me at a time like this, Mohammed said.

“This is the kind of leader that our people need. It shall be a great pleasure to have him as our representative in the Senate next year, God willing,” he added.

Mohammed, who also thanked the other personalities for the visit, also urged them to remain committed to the virtues of peace, unity, progress and support for the APC, especially Erico whom, he said, is the Senator that the Kogi East people had been waiting for.