Idoko Declares Bid for Olamaboro Assembly Seat, Begins Grassroots Consultations

Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

A Kogi-born media personality and grassroots political advocate, Michael Idoko, has formally declared his intention to contest for the Olamaboro Constituency seat in the Kogi State House of Assembly, promising people-centred representation and accelerated development across communities in the area.

Idoko, who is seeking the position on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), announced his ambition during a series of consultations with party leaders, community stakeholders, youth groups and residents across Olamaboro Local Government Area.

In a statement made available to THISDAY in Abuja yesterday, the aspirant said his decision to join the race was driven by concern over what he described as the limited impact of democratic governance in many communities within the constituency.

He said, “My decision to contest for the Olamaboro State House of Assembly seat is borne out of a deep concern over the lack of meaningful dividends of democracy in our local government.

“For too long, many communities in Olamaboro have continued to struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited opportunities for youth development and insufficient social amenities that should ordinarily improve the lives of our people,” he added.

Idoko, who has built a reputation as a communicator, public affairs commentator and community mobiliser, said leadership must focus on service and meaningful representation rather than political rhetoric.

“Leadership should be about service, representation and ensuring that the voices and needs of the people are heard and addressed,” he stated.

According to him, his aspiration is aimed at bridging the gap between government policies and the realities faced by ordinary citizens in the constituency.

“My aspiration is driven by the desire to bridge this gap. I am committed to advocating policies, projects and programmes that will bring tangible development to Olamaboro, empower our youths and women, and ensure that our communities receive their fair share of government attention,” he added.

Idoko explained that he had embarked on wide consultations across the local government area to engage with stakeholders and align his vision with the expectations of the people.

“In recent weeks, I have embarked on extensive consultations across Olamaboro Local Government Area as part of my aspiration to represent our people at the Kogi State House of Assembly under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,” he said.

“These engagements are not merely political activities; they are sincere efforts to listen, learn and align my vision with the collective hopes and expectations of our communities.”

He noted that his interactions with youths, women, elders and traditional leaders across the wards had provided deeper insight into the pressing needs of residents, including improved infrastructure, educational support, youth empowerment and economic opportunities.

Idoko stressed that effective legislation must reflect the daily realities of citizens, adding that elected representatives must maintain continuous engagement with their constituents beyond election periods.

“I believe that legislation should directly reflect the realities of the people and that elected representatives must remain connected to their constituents beyond election seasons,” he said.

The aspirant also expressed appreciation to party leaders, traditional institutions and residents who have received him during the consultations, saying their encouragement had strengthened his resolve to pursue the ambition.

He added that under the PDP platform, his focus would be on promoting inclusive governance, strengthening democratic values and attracting development projects that would improve the livelihoods of residents in Olamaboro.

“My focus is to ensure that the voice of Olamaboro is clearly heard and effectively represented at the state level,” he said.

Describing his political aspiration as a collective movement rather than a personal ambition, Idoko called on residents of the constituency to work together towards building a more prosperous future.

“This journey is not mine alone; it is a collective movement inspired by the aspirations of our communities. Together, we can build a future where representation translates into tangible development, fairness and progress for every ward and every citizen of Olamaboro,” he said.