Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho
By John Akubo
In Nigeria’s political theatre, influence is earned through consistency, performance, and seniority. For Kogi East, a district that has struggled for prominence since the passing of Prince Abubakar Audu, the 2027 elections present a pivotal choice: consolidate gains or risk starting from scratch.
Senator Jibrin Isah, popularly known as Echocho, has shown that sustained leadership translates into tangible results. Returning to the National Assembly in 2023 elevated him to the rank of a senior senator — a position that carries significant leverage in legislative negotiations, project allocations, and national policymaking. For a region that has long been relegated to the periphery, such seniority is invaluable.
Since first taking office in 2019, Echocho has consistently bridged the gap between policy and people. From Ankpa to Ibaji, Dekina to Idah, his work spans infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment. Roads have been rehabilitated, schools and health centres upgraded, boreholes installed, and skill acquisition centres opened. Rural communities now benefit from solar-powered transformers and streetlights, while police posts and administrative offices have strengthened local security and governance.
Echocho’s legislative footprint is equally impressive. He has sponsored bills of both national and local importance, including the Federal University of Education, Ankpa (Establishment) Bill, the Nigeria Cashew Crop Processing Agency Bill, and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill. Motions addressing the rehabilitation of roads, support for displaced communities, and the completion of abandoned federal projects underscore a commitment to proactive representation rather than rhetorical promises.
Perhaps most crucial is Echocho’s role in job creation and economic empowerment. Agricultural interventions, such as rice mills in Ibaji and Omala, cassava processing in Ankpa, and cashew hubs in Ofu, are not merely projects but engines of local industry and self-reliance. He has also facilitated federal appointments and employment opportunities, ensuring that Kogi East youth have a stake in the region’s growth.
Representation, especially in Nigeria’s National Assembly, is about positioning people strategically. Echocho’s accumulated seniority, relationships, and influence in Abuja cannot be replicated overnight. Removing him prematurely would mean discarding six years of political capital just as Kogi East is regaining its footing.
As the 2027 elections approach, Kogi East faces a choice between proven performance and untested promises. Echocho has delivered measurable impact across sectors, strengthened the district’s voice in national affairs, and positioned it for greater influence. Continuity, in this context, is not merely advantageous — it is essential.
For Kogi East, re-electing Echocho is not just an endorsement of a senator; it is a strategic investment in influence, development, and the consolidation of hard-won gains.
John Akubo is a media practitioner based in Abuja