By Aio White
www.aiowhite.com.ng
Abuja, Nigeria
28/10/2026
Onoja J. Okpanachi, organiser of the Arise Igala programme, has expressed appreciation to Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, for offering himself for re-election to represent Kogi East Senatorial District, describing his decision as significant to the area’s political future.
In a statement titled “Echocho: Thank You for Offering Yourself When It Mattered Most,” Okpanachi said his support for the senator during the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial selection exercise was informed by his conviction that Echocho’s candidacy served the broader interests of Kogi East.
He noted that the district was at a critical political moment, marked by uncertainty and concerns about its continued influence in national affairs. According to him, Echocho’s decision to contest provided an opportunity to sustain the district’s voice at the national level.
Okpanachi stressed, however, that the APC’s decision would not automatically determine the outcome of the forthcoming general election, noting that the party’s choice and the wider aspirations of Kogi East were not necessarily the same.
Reflecting on Echocho’s political journey, he observed that the senator had established himself before entering politics and had, on several occasions, received encouragement from people who believed in his capacity to serve.
He described Echocho’s career as one marked by significant successes and setbacks, while maintaining that the senator had retained his humanity despite the challenges.
The Arise Igala organiser further argued that the forthcoming election would offer an opportunity to reassess the district’s political priorities and choose a representative capable of navigating the complexities of national politics.
Emphasising the importance of experience and effective representation, Okpanachi said Kogi East needed a tested and capable individual who could articulate its concerns and advance its interests in the Senate.
He concluded that the district’s political future should be determined by the people’s independent choice rather than party calculations.
“No need for trial version,” he declared, ending his statement with the rallying call, “ARISE!”
