PDP in Kogi Central Names New Campaign Leaders for 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party in Kogi Central has named Dr Salami Etudaiye as Director-General of its campaign for the 2027 elections. Abubakar Karaku will serve as the Campaign Chairman.

They were sworn in on Monday during a meeting with party stakeholders led by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. This marks the start of preparations for the upcoming 2027 general elections.

The information was shared in a statement from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media aide, Mike Idoko, on Monday night.

The new campaign team has been tasked with a strong grassroots mobilization strategy. Their goal is to ensure the success of all PDP candidates in the senatorial district.

Other members of the campaign team include Jacob Anebe as Secretary, Ilyasu Zubair as Head of Operations, Isiaka Uhuanaye as Head of Technicals, and Jane Onoba as Head of Welfare.

At the inauguration, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged the campaign team to work hard for the success of all PDP candidates in Kogi Central. She emphasized that the campaign must be deeply rooted in the grassroots.

She said the campaign should go beyond regular rallies. It should focus on direct engagement with voters through ongoing mobilization.

She stated, "This campaign must be house-to-house and polling unit-by-polling unit. We must reach our people directly, listen to them, engage them and explain clearly why the PDP remains the best platform for the development and progress of our people."

Akpoti-Udughan also encouraged the campaign organization to welcome anyone who wants to help the party succeed, no matter their past political affiliations.

"We must open our doors for everyone who wants to join this moving train and this winning team. There is room for everyone who believes in the PDP and in the future we are building for Kogi Central," she added.

She reminded the campaigners to show discipline, unity, and commitment. It is essential to cover all wards and polling units properly.

She pointed out that the election will need the combined efforts of party leaders, women, youths, ward executives, campaign coordinators, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

In his acceptance speech, Etudaiye called his new role a serious responsibility. He promised to use his experience and energy to help the PDP win.

He said, "I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude and a spirit on fire. I accept, with humility and with steely resolve, the sacred responsibility you have placed upon me as Director-General of this campaign."

Etudaiye said his position is not just for show. It is a mission to build a strong political presence across the senatorial district.

"This is not a ceremonial title. This is a call to battle. I did not accept this assignment to manage a campaign of polite handshakes and quiet meetings. I accepted it to organise a movement."

He mentioned that the campaign will cover all parts of Kogi Central, including Okene, Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, and Ogori-Mangongo Local Governments. The focus will be on wards, polling units, streets, markets, campuses, and homes.

"We are not going into this election to beg. We are going in to win and to win decisively."

Etudaiye called on PDP members to support the campaign. He stressed that victory will depend on organization, mobilization, unity, and discipline.

He also encouraged women and youths to take active roles in the campaign. He described women as the backbone of the party and youths as crucial for modern political mobilization.

Etudaiye promised to lead the campaign with transparency and focus on winning.

"I pledge to lead this organisation with transparency, with competence, and with an unrelenting focus on victory. I will listen. I will coordinate. I will fight for every vote."

He concluded, "This is not just a campaign. This is a revolution of hope for Kogi Central. I accept this charge. I embrace this duty. And by the grace of God and the collective will of our people, we shall prevail."

Karaku also spoke, congratulating the new campaign team. He asked PDP stakeholders to put the party's interests and the people's needs first.

He called for unity, peaceful political engagement, and positive campaigning. He warned against bitterness and personal attacks.

"This is the time for every member of our great party to come together. We must put aside whatever differences we may have and concentrate on the larger objective of building a stronger PDP and securing victory for our candidates," he said.

Karaku urged party members to take the campaign to the grassroots. They should engage voters with facts, programs, achievements, and the party's goals.

"Our message must be positive, our conduct must be responsible, and our mobilization must be strategic. We must convince the people through our programs, our commitment, and our presence at the grassroots. Elections are won by organization, unity, and the ability to connect with the people."

He also urged ward leaders, polling unit coordinators, women and youth leaders, volunteers, and other campaign workers to work together as a team.

He said, "Nobody should consider himself or herself too important to work with another person. Every vote matters, every ward matters, and every polling unit matters. If we remain united, disciplined, and focused, we can achieve the victory we desire."