Political leaders, candidates and representatives across party lines embrace reconciliation and pledge unity at historic gathering in Idah IDAH, KOGI STATE — The Ukomu Igala Organization on Saturday, September 19, 2026, brought together prominent sons and daughters of the Igala-Bassa nation at the Ata Igala Palace in Idah, Kogi State, for a landmark gathering dedicated to peace, reconciliation, unity and development. The gathering was deliberately non-partisan, bringing together political leaders, candidates and representatives from virtually all major political parties, alongside traditional rulers, former public office holders, military officers, professionals, academics, business leaders and grassroots representatives.

Among those represented at the gathering was the Kogi State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Mr. Joel Salifu Oyibo, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Right Honourable Comfort Uchola. Other prominent political figures and candidates present included former Deputy Governor Chief Edward David Onoja; former PDP governorship candidate Engr. Musa Wada; ADC senatorial candidate QS Aminudeen; ADC House of Representatives candidate Phr. Iduh Yakubu; former APC National Women Leader Hajia Salamatu Baiwa; and serving House of Assembly member Hon. Zacharia Davies, among other political leaders and representatives from across the political spectrum.

The broad political representation underscored the non-partisan character of the gathering, with participants setting aside party affiliations and political differences to focus on the shared interests of the Igala-Bassa people. A Moment of Forgiveness and Reconciliation A defining moment came when Chief Edward David Onoja publicly asked his brothers and sisters to forgive him for any wrongs he may have committed in the course of his public and political journey, while also extending forgiveness to those who may have offended him. The heartfelt appeal moved the gathering and was followed by emotional embraces among several leaders, symbolising a collective willingness to heal old wounds, restore relationships and open a new chapter of cooperation.

The moment was widely seen within the gathering as a powerful demonstration that political disagreements need not permanently divide families, communities and people who share a common heritage. Distinguished Military and Community Leaders The gathering also featured distinguished military personalities, including former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Usman Oyibe Jibrin (rtd.), Major General James Alilu Ataguba (rtd.), Major General Omali (rtd.), Brigadier General Adukwu (rtd.) and Commodore Godwin Obaje (rtd.), alongside former local government chairmen, elders, professionals and representatives of the Igala-Bassa diaspora.

Former Deputy Governor of old Benue State, His Excellency Alhaji Sule Iyaji, and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Jibrin Samuel Okutepa, were also among the respected statesmen who lent their voices to the call for unity, reconciliation and collective progress. Peace Beyond Political Differences National Leader of the Ukomu Igala Organization, Major General James Alilu Ataguba (rtd.), emphasised that the gathering was not about politics but about peace, love and reconciliation. He stressed that political differences should never be allowed to destroy the bonds of brotherhood or stand in the way of the collective development of Igala land. The gathering provided an opportunity for political actors from different parties to meet in an atmosphere that placed their shared cultural identity and collective interests above partisan considerations. A New Chapter for the Igala-Bassa People The Idah gathering sent a clear message: the Igala-Bassa people can disagree politically without becoming enemies.

The presence of political leaders and candidates from different parties demonstrated the possibility of maintaining political diversity while pursuing common interests in peace, unity and development. The next challenge is to translate the spirit of forgiveness and unity demonstrated at the gathering into sustained dialogue, reconciliation and practical development initiatives that can benefit communities across Igala-Bassa land. The gathering therefore stands not merely as a meeting of political and community leaders, but as a call for a renewed culture of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility. Peace before politics. Unity before personal ambition. Development above individual differences.