2027: Kogi Central PDP inaugurates campaign council, names Etudaiye DG

Kogi Central chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially launched its campaign organization for the 2027 general elections, appointing Dr. Salami Etudaiye as Director-General and Abubakar Karaku as Campaign Chairman. The inauguration took place in Okene under the leadership of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate. The event marked the beginning of a comprehensive effort to mobilize support for the party's candidates in the upcoming polls. The campaign organization was established following a stakeholders' meeting, which was chaired by Akpoti-Uduaghan. According to a statement released by her media aide, Mike Idoko, the initiative aims to ensure that the party's message reaches every corner of the senatorial district through grassroots engagement. The campaign team includes several key figures, such as Hon. Jacob Ogirima Anebe as Secretary, Hon. Ilyasu Zubair as Head of Operations, Hon. Isiaka Uhuanaye as Head of Technicals, and Hon. Jane Onoba as Head of Welfare. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized the need for a direct approach to voter engagement, calling for house-to-house and polling-unit-by-polling-unit outreach. She urged members of the campaign team to prioritize listening to constituents and explaining the benefits of supporting the PDP. The senator also reiterated the party's openness to new members, encouraging individuals to join the effort despite past political affiliations. She stressed that unity and discipline among campaign workers would be crucial to achieving electoral success. Dr. Salami Etudaiye, the newly appointed Director-General, expressed his commitment to organizing a robust campaign that would secure victory for the PDP. In his acceptance speech, he described his role as both a responsibility and a challenge, vowing to lead with transparency and determination. He highlighted the importance of reaching all parts of Kogi Central, including local governments such as Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Ogori-Mangongo, with a special emphasis on community-based initiatives. Etudaiye also called for the active participation of women and young people, recognizing their critical roles in modern political campaigns. Campaign Chairman Abubakar Karaku urged all members to set aside personal ambitions and focus on the collective goal of strengthening the PDP and ensuring electoral triumph. He emphasized the necessity of collaboration among party leaders, women, youths, ward executives, coordinators, and volunteers. Karaku’s remarks underscored the belief that the success of the campaign would hinge on the combined efforts of these groups. The campaign team has been tasked with implementing an aggressive grassroots mobilization strategy designed to bolster the PDP's presence in the senatorial district. This strategy includes extensive door-to-door canvassing, targeted outreach in marketplaces and educational institutions, and leveraging digital platforms to engage younger voters. The organization has also committed to maintaining strict adherence to party principles and fostering a sense of shared purpose among participants. Looking ahead, the campaign team is expected to intensify its activities in the coming months, preparing for the challenges of the 2027 elections. With the groundwork laid by the inauguration of the campaign organization, the PDP in Kogi Central is poised to launch a coordinated and inclusive effort to secure victory for its candidates. The focus remains on mobilizing support at the local level, ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard and that the party's vision for the region is communicated effectively.