Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has urged voters in Yagba Federal Constituency of the state to return their representative, Leke Abejide, to the House of Representatives for a third term.
He stated this in a statement issued by his spokesman, Onogwu Muhammed, in Abuja on Friday.
Bello explained that his backing for Abejide’s re-election is aimed at consolidating and expanding development in both the constituency and Kogi State.
He argued that the effectiveness of lawmakers increases with experience, stressing that “the impact of a third-term legislator far outweighs that of a first-term member,” as institutional knowledge, political influence, and legislative experience grow over time.
Bello noted that the National Assembly operates on seniority, relationships, and accumulated expertise, which new lawmakers often lack.
According to Bello, a ranking legislator is better equipped to chair strategic committees, influence policy, attract federal projects, and navigate the legislative process efficiently.
The former governor also conveyed what he described as a collective endorsement of Abejide’s third-term ambition by key stakeholders in the state.
“The Governor and I are aligned, and we are calling on Hon. Leke Abejide and the good people of Yagba Federal Constituency to support this vision. We want him to join our party, the APC, and return to the House of Representatives for a third term,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of continuity, Bello said legislative service should not be treated as a rotational exercise.
Bello maintained that performance improves significantly across terms, noting that achievements recorded in a first term are often doubled in a second and multiplied in a third.
He appealed to aspirants, particularly from Mopa-Muro, to show patience in the interest of broader development, despite acknowledging the principle of fairness and rotation.
“I understand the aspirations of our brothers and sisters in Mopa-Muro.
“It is indeed your turn, but there is wisdom in timing. Allow Abejide to complete a third term and bring greater development to the constituency. After him, the opportunity will come, and it will come stronger,” he said.
Bello added that first-term lawmakers may struggle to match the output of experienced legislators, especially in attracting federal presence and executing constituency projects.
He said continuity would ensure the completion of ongoing projects and secure new opportunities for the constituency.
He described Abejide as a man of integrity and dependable character whose leadership has had a positive impact on his constituents.
