In a significant political development, Prof. Usman Ogbo has been re-elected as the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, defeating Hajia Halima Alfa’s attempts to thwart his second term. Sources within the government house revealed that Hajia Halima, who is eyeing the Senate ticket of the ruling APC in Kogi East, viewed Prof. Ogbo’s re-election as a threat to her ambition, though there are no signs or any pointer to prove that the current Rector of Kogi state polytechnic may quits the job for any elective offices yet , It’s seems that Hajia Halima considers any rising profiles in Ankpa as a future political threat to her not yet clearly defined political mission .
Hajia Halima reportedly lobbied key figures in the government, including the former and current Governors, to replace Prof. Ogbo with a more pliable candidate. However, her efforts were unsuccessful, and Prof. Ogbo’s re-election was seen as a political betrayal by Hajia Halima.
Additionally, sources indicate that Hajia Halima is also monitoring Senator Jibrin Isha Echocho, the current occupant of the Kogi East Senate seat, whom she considers a significant threat to her ambition. Previously, OBSERVERSTIMES reported that Hajia Halima single-handedly nominated the current caretaker chairman of Ankpa Local Government, a move seen as a strategic play to pave the way for her Senate bid.
Notably, the current Senator, Jibrin Isha, has inaugurated several constituency projects in Ankpa, including a cassava processing plant. However, the local government chairman, allegedly under Hajia Halima’s influence, was conspicuously absent from these events, raising eyebrows among political observers.
The political dynamics at play in Kogi State suggest a intense struggle for power and influence, with key players vying for control and dominance. The re-election of Prof. Usman Ogbo as Rector has dealt a significant blow to Hajia Halima’s ambitions, and it remains to be seen how she will respond to this political setback.
Furthermore, Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Ali Halims, the Member Representing Ankpa, Omala, and Olamaboro Federal Constituency, has emerged as a potential contender for the Senate seat. As the Deputy Leader of the 10th House of Representatives, Halims is rumored to be considering a move to the red chamber, should Senator Jibrin Isha Echocho not contest. This development has raised concerns for Hajia Halima, who believes she has done enough for the APC and should be compensated with the Kogi East Senate ticket unopposed.
However, others argue that Hajia Halima, now married to Kabir Gaya, should contest in Idah, her hometown, rather than Ankpa, where her political influence is tied to her husband, with whom she is no longer associated. As the political landscape in Kogi East continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Hajia Halima will respond to these challenges and whether she will declare her intentions openly or preserve her political weapons for the battle ahead.