Exclusive: Kogi 2019 Elections: Real Reasons Why Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin’s Decided to Forgo Re-contest
Date: June 23, 2023
In a surprising turn of events in 2019, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, the present Accord Party candidate for the Kogi state off season governorship elections political figure in Kogi State, made the decision not to fight for recontesting the 2019 elections after his disqualification from the All Progressives Congress (APC). While many speculated that he had “chickened out” during that period, finding reveals that his choice was motivated by strategic and principled reasons.
One of the key factors behind Vice Admiral Jibrin’s decision was his commitment to not dividing the Igala votes, considering that Governor Musa Wada had already emerged as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate. Recognizing the significance of unity and the need to consolidate support within the Igala community, Jibrin chose not to proceed with his candidacy in another party to avoid potential vote splitting that could have favoured opposing parties.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Vice Admiral Jibrin’s disqualification from the APC was a significant blow to his ambitions. It was alleged that an Igala person within the APC headquarters unjustly disqualified him, which limited his options for purchasing the governorship form from another political party as the 30 days window before joining another party was no longer feasible. Facing such circumstances, Jibrin evaluated the viability of pursuing his political aspirations under different party platforms and determined that the prevailing circumstances would hinder his ability to compete effectively.
Contrary to popular belief, Vice Admiral Jibrin’s decision not to recontest in 2019 was not an act of cowardice. Rather, it was a well-considered move rooted in the realities of the political landscape at that time. He understood the importance of strategic decisions and made a principled choice to prioritize the unity of Igala votes over personal ambitions.
It is worth mentioning that Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin’s political journey is far from over. Despite not contesting the 2019 elections, he is back on the ballot to right the wrongs that is bedevilling our dear state. As the political landscape evolves, there are future opportunities for him to contribute to the development and progress of his community and the state at large.
In conclusion, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin’s decision not to fight for recontesting the 2019 elections was driven by his commitment to unity within the Igala community and the challenges posed by his disqualification from the APC. His choice was a strategic and principled one, underscoring his dedication to the welfare of his people. While he did not proceed with the elections in 2019, his political journey continues, and the future hold new opportunities for him to serve the people of Kogi State.