Leke Abejide Declines Kogi West Senate Race, Donates ₦20m to Egbe Communities, Targets ₦50m Projects Across Yagba
Rep. Leke Abejide says he will remain focused on Yagba Federal Constituency despite calls to contest for Kogi West Senate. The lawmaker also donated ₦20 million to Odo and Oke Egbe communities and unveiled a ₦50 million development target for communities across Yagba.
The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, has dismissed growing calls for him to contest the Kogi West Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that his focus remains on consolidating development projects across Yagba land.
Abejide made the position known during a community empowerment programme held at the palace of the Elegbe of Egbe, HRM Oba Ayodele Irukera, where his foundation disbursed ₦20 million to Odo and Oke Egbe communities for grassroots development initiatives.
The federal lawmaker disclosed that political stakeholders and supporters from Lokoja/Koto and Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu federal constituencies had repeatedly encouraged him to join the Kogi West senatorial race, but he chose to remain committed to the people of Yagba Federal Constituency.
“Lokoja/Koto people want me to run for Senate, but I have decided to restrict myself to Yagba Federal Constituency,” Abejide stated while addressing traditional rulers, community leaders, and residents at the event.
He explained that the decision was informed by his determination to complete ongoing development programmes and sustain the momentum already established in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and empowerment across the constituency.
According to him, the mandate given to him by the people of Yagba remains a priority, stressing that his administration would continue to pursue people-oriented representation that directly impacts rural communities.
Abejide noted that his development blueprint targets all 71 communities within Yagba Federal Constituency, with a long-term plan to facilitate at least ₦50 million worth of projects for each community over the next four years.
He explained that the funds would be released in phases, depending on accountability and proper utilization by benefiting communities.
“Our target is to ensure that every community in Yagba enjoys meaningful development. The funds will continue to come in tranches for communities that use previous allocations judiciously,” he said.
The lawmaker also assured residents that the Oja Egbe Road project would receive attention as earlier promised.
During the event, Abejide commended the traditional institution in Egbe, led by Oba Ayodele Irukera, for its consistent support throughout his political journey.
He equally urged residents to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, describing the President’s leadership as crucial to national growth and economic stability.
Speaking on behalf of the Egbe Mekun Development Association, the General Secretary, Elder Theophilus Dada, appreciated the lawmaker for what he described as sustained support for the development of Yagba communities.
He disclosed that the ₦20 million donation would be invested in the rehabilitation of the community’s abandoned waterworks project to improve access to potable water for residents.
The highlight of the programme was the presentation of a ₦20 million Zenith Bank cheque to representatives of Odo and Oke Egbe communities by Abejide and his wife, Mrs. Esther Abejide.
In appreciation of the gesture, Oba Ayodele Irukera presented gifts to the lawmaker and his wife on behalf of the Egbe community.
Political observers believe Abejide’s latest declaration may further reshape discussions surrounding the 2027 Kogi West political permutations, especially amid increasing consultations and alignments ahead of the elections.