The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ogugu State Constituency in Kogi State, Michael Samuel Idoko, says he is ready to commence his campaign activities but will wait for the appropriate time to formally flag off the campaign.
Idoko made the position known while appealing to party members, supporters and other stakeholders to remain patient and calm as preparations continue ahead of the 2027 Kogi State House of Assembly election.
He said the decision to delay the formal campaign flag-off was influenced by recent solemn events within the political community, particularly the death and burial of former Kogi State Governor Ibrahim Idris.
Idris, who served as governor from 2003 to 2012, died in the United Kingdom on September 20, 2026, aged 77. He was buried in Abuja five days later. The Bureau Journal reported on the burial, which brought together the former governor’s family, political associates, former governors and the incumbent Kogi governor.
Idoko also expressed solidarity with Rt. Hon. Zachariah, who represents Idah Federal Constituency, following the burial of his mother.
According to the PDP candidate, political activities should be balanced with respect for people experiencing loss and other significant personal circumstances.
“Politics is important, but humanity comes first. There are moments when political activities must give way to mourning, reflection and solidarity with those who have lost loved ones,” he said.
Idoko says PDP processes will guide campaign
Idoko said his political activities would remain guided by what he described as respect for established institutions and the constitutional processes of the PDP.
“I believe in the party and I believe in its constitutional processes. Whatever decisions are legitimately taken by the appropriate organs of the party, I am prepared to work within that framework with discipline and respect,” he said.
His comments come as political parties and candidates continue preparations for the 2027 elections in Kogi State. The Bureau Journal has been tracking developments ahead of the election, including INEC’s restoration of previously suppressed State Assembly constituencies and other developments involving candidates and party nominations.
Idoko himself was presented with the PDP Certificate of Return and INEC nomination forms for the Ogugu State Constituency race in June, confirming his position as the party’s candidate for the contest.
‘We are ready’
While urging supporters not to interpret the delayed flag-off as inactivity, Idoko said preparations for the campaign had continued.
“Let me assure everyone that we are ready. We are prepared. We are committed. We have used this period to strengthen our preparations and to reflect carefully on the responsibility before us,” he said.
He said his approach to the contest was not limited to campaign activities but also involved what he described as the responsibilities associated with public office.
“When the time comes, we shall step forward with clarity of purpose, discipline and a renewed commitment to service. Until then, there is no need for anxiety. The journey is progressing, and we are prepared for the responsibility ahead,” Idoko said.
The PDP candidate also urged party members and other stakeholders to remain calm while awaiting the formal commencement of campaign activities.
His emergence as the PDP candidate has already featured in the party’s preparations for the 2027 Assembly contest. In August, Idoko also publicly opposed a N5 million campaign signage levy announced for House of Assembly candidates in Kogi State.
Political activity is expected to intensify as the 2027 elections draw closer, with candidates and parties continuing consultations, voter mobilisation and campaign preparations across Kogi State.
Idoko reaffirmed that his political engagement would remain within the PDP’s organisational and constitutional framework while maintaining his stated commitment to representing the people of Ogugu State Constituency.
“We are ready. We are prepared. We are committed. And when the time comes, we shall step forward to present our vision for service,” he said.
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