Faleke’s Associates Urge Focus on National Politics, Dismiss Kogi Governorship Speculation

Friends and political associates of Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke have urged the influential federal lawmaker to remain focused on his national political responsibilities, dismissing growing speculation linking him to the next Kogi State governorship election.
The group said recent political activities surrounding Faleke, including public recognitions, endorsements and courtesy visits, have fuelled narratives suggesting an interest in Kogi’s off-cycle governorship race, despite the absence of any declaration by the lawmaker.
In a statement signed by Otunba Olukayode Biobaku, the associates described the developments as premature and capable of diverting attention from what they identified as the All Progressives Congress’ (APC) immediate priority—the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
According to the statement, while Faleke remains a proud indigene of Kogi State with an unquestionable right to seek any elective office, current political realities demand greater attention to strengthening the APC nationally and supporting the implementation of the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The group also rejected reports alleging the existence of a one-term governorship arrangement involving former Governor Yahaya Bello, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and Faleke, noting that the lawmaker had publicly denied any knowledge of such an agreement.
It maintained that Faleke’s rebuttal should have laid the matter to rest but expressed concern that political actors had continued to associate his name with the state’s future governorship contest through what it described as coordinated political narratives.
The statement recalled that after serving as the running mate to the late Prince Abubakar Audu in the 2015 Kogi governorship election, Faleke returned to Lagos, where he has continued to secure the confidence of constituents in Ikeja Federal Constituency and strengthen his standing within the National Assembly and the APC.
Describing him as one of the party’s most experienced lawmakers, the associates said his expertise in fiscal oversight, public finance and legislative governance remains critical at a time the National Assembly is supporting far-reaching economic reforms.
They urged political stakeholders to refrain from attributing political ambitions to the lawmaker or creating unnecessary momentum around a governorship bid he has neither declared nor endorsed.
While acknowledging Faleke’s credentials and constitutional right to aspire to higher office, the group argued that every political season has its priorities and that the overriding task before party leaders is to consolidate support for President Tinubu’s administration ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The associates expressed confidence that Faleke would continue to exercise the political judgment and discipline that have characterised his public career by remaining focused on his current national responsibilities.