Kogi East Senate seat: Chief Erico Ameh poised for 2027 victory

…targets security, jobs, youths empowerment, agriculture

By Clement Omanibe, Abuja

As the race for seats in the nation’s hallowed chambers gathers momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, one blossoming political phenomenon who is already treading a shining path to the Kogi East Senatorial District seat, is Chief (Dr) Joseph Erico Ameh.

The high-flying politician is waxing strong and soaring high in the firmaments of Kogi politics, particularly in Kogi East Constituency where he is eyeing its senatorial seat in January 2027.

Interestingly, he has secured a decisive victory as the candidate in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kogi East Senatorial District primary, after polling over 73,000 votes for the 2027 general election.

It is crystal-clear that Chief Erico’s knack for strong political mobilization, hard work, resilience, commitment, doggedness, foresight, honesty and goodwill earned him the victory in the keenly contested primary.

His emergence from the gamut of strong opponents who contested during the primary, is a testament that he has built an extensive and formidable grassroots political network across the nine local government areas of Kogi East.

Against this background, the coast appears clear for the bold and confident grassroots and people-oriented politician to clinch the seat in the nation’s 11th Senate in 2027.

Chief Erico is unarguably described as a consensus figure, following his passion for grassroots governance and passion for the less privileged. It was on this premise that he embarked on campaigns at the grassroots level during the primary and was embraced by the people. And this is simply the secret of his victory in the primary.

When his victory was announced and the news went viral in the public domain, it was celebration galore among party leaders, supporters as well as community people who are already dreaming and seeking the reality of his emergence as their senator in the next political dispensation.

Hitherto, Governor Usman Ododo had particularly hailed the prospective Senator for his unwavering commitment to the growth of the APC as well as his role in strengthening the party’s grassroots structures in Kogi East.

He described the party stalwart as a dependable leader whose efforts continue to attract credible personalities into the APC family.

Also, party leaders and stakeholders had congratulated Chief Erico on behalf of his teeming supporters. They had expressed delight that his victory in the primary was well deserved because he justified it with assiduous campaigns across all the communities in Kogi East.

According to them, while he (Erico) was working hard for the desired result at home (the grassroots), his opponents were in their comfort zones in Abuja, hoping to win the election on a platter of gold but failed.

Suffice to say that Chief Erico has demonstrated capacity as a grassroots and people-oriented politician who would not be married to only Abuja but also his people who would need him and whom he is meant to represent deliver their dividends of democracy to them.

Apparently, Chief Erico’s tireless community engagements, unalloyed support by APC stakeholders, youth groups, and party members propelled his emergence in the primary. Already, they are warming up to vote for him in 2027 with high expectations that he would clinch the seat.

Findings by The Insight Magazine show that Chief Erico is not coming to the Senate for political gains but service for the people who have been yearning for a reliable representative that would bring them their own portion of the dividends of democracy through a credible representation.

Obviously, community stakeholders, party members and supporters have resolved to mobilise grassroots support for him across the nine local government areas of Kogi East.

Against this background, he has pledged to pursue a better representation for Kogi East and to mobilize support for the APC in the 2027 general elections.

In every credible election, no position can be clinched on a platter of gold. It requires a lot of efforts. To win the Kogi East (Igala/Bassa) Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections, Chief Erico must therefore leverage his primary election victory, unify local party structures and address key regional priorities. These include:

Party reconciliation and grassroots unity, especially reconciliation with aggrieved aspirants and stakeholders, following the contentious primary contest.

Engagement of local leadership: This has to do with partnership with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community influencers across all nine local government areas.

Consolidation of APC structures: This requires alignment with his Senatorial campaign with the broader party machinery and support for the administration of Governor Usman Ododo.

Prioritisation of actionable security enhancements for Igala and Bassa lands to foster a peaceful environment for economic growth.

Promoting his background as an extensive employer of labour to emphasise practical job creation, youth empowerment and agricultural development.

Campaigning on tangible needs like education and infrastructure development and economic accessibility.

Broad voter mobilization and local government area outreach: He has to extend active mobilization from his support base in areas like Olamaboro and Ofu local government areas to every corner of the nine districts.

Alignment and joining forces with regional stakeholders to rally massive voter turnout for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 national elections.

Chief Erico reaffirms commitment to the people

Determined to clinch victory in the election, Chief Erico has consistently

reaffirmed his commitment to the development of Kogi East, with a mindset that the power of elected representation ultimately rests with the people.

When he won the primary election in May, he declared:

“My upbringing and personal experiences have given me a deep understanding of the challenges facing ordinary citizens,” he said.

He added that his aspiration is rooted in service and grassroots development.

He pledged that if elected in 2027, he would prioritise security, job creation, youth empowerment and agricultural development across the senatorial district.

He particularly emphasised the need to strengthen security in Igala and Bassa land, noting that sustainable development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

“I understand the suffering of the people because I have experienced hardship myself,” he stated.

He further assured supporters that he would remain accessible and committed to delivering effective representation.

He, therefore, called for unity within the party ahead of the elections.

It is hoped that Chief Erico would live up to expectations if he wins in 2027.