FROM TRUTH TO TWISTED TALES: HOW HON. FUNSHO OLUMOKO'S MESSAGE WAS MISREPRESENTED

 SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: HON. FUNSHO OLUMOKO SPOKE FACTS, NOT PROPAGANDA.

By Dendenewsline 

Attempts by political opportunists to distort the recent visit of Hon. Funsho Olumoko to the palaces of revered traditional rulers in Kogi State have been described as a calculated campaign of misinformation designed to inflame political sentiments, mislead the public, and distract from the real issues shaping the state's democratic future.

It has become imperative to set the records straight following the circulation of misleading narratives by political jobbers and merchants of falsehood who have deliberately misrepresented the contents of the video recorded during Hon. Olumoko's courtesy visit to traditional rulers on Thursday, July 16, 2026.

For the avoidance of doubt, Hon. Funsho Olumoko did not, at any point during his address, mention the name of Rt. Hon. James Faleke or make any reference capable of being reasonably interpreted as a direct attack on any individual. Any attempt to attribute such insinuations to him is a reckless fabrication, born out of political desperation and intended solely to advance a predetermined agenda.

The facts remain incontrovertible.

Hon. Olumoko merely reiterated a political reality that every discerning observer of Kogi State politics already understands: no single senatorial district possesses the electoral strength to produce a governor without the cooperation, understanding, and overwhelming support of the other two senatorial districts. This is neither a partisan assertion nor a controversial political theory. It is an undeniable electoral fact consistently validated by the political history of Kogi State.

Those attempting to criminalise this statement are merely exposing their desperation to manufacture controversy where none exists.

The constitutional and political evolution of Kogi State equally lends credence to this position. The Igala-speaking axis of Kogi East produced governors for approximately sixteen uninterrupted years before the governorship rotated to Kogi Central. Following the successful completion of Governor Yahaya Bello's constitutionally guaranteed eight-year tenure, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo emerged through a democratic process and is currently serving his first constitutional term.

It is therefore both lawful and politically conventional for Governor Ododo to seek a second term in office, should he so desire and should his party and the electorate renew their confidence in him. Across Nigeria's democratic landscape, governors who enjoy public support and have demonstrated commitment to governance routinely seek re-election within the provisions of the Constitution. Governor Ododo's situation is neither exceptional nor controversial.

The attempt by a handful of political propagandists to twist a message advocating political inclusiveness into an imaginary attack against any political leader is not only dishonest but also dangerous to the democratic culture Kogi State has painstakingly nurtured over the years.

Politics must never descend into the arena of falsehood, character manipulation, and deliberate misinformation. The true essence of democratic engagement lies in robust debates on governance, development, economic growth, security, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and the welfare of citizens—not in concocting imaginary controversies to score fleeting political points.

We therefore call on the good people of Kogi State and the general public to disregard the false interpretations being circulated by desperate political actors whose stock-in-trade is propaganda rather than truth.

The video remains in the public domain and speaks clearly for itself. No amount of political spin, selective editing, or orchestrated misinformation can alter its plain meaning or rewrite what was actually said.

As stakeholders in the democratic advancement of Kogi State, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to politics anchored on facts, civility, inclusiveness, and constructive engagement. The collective aspiration of our people must always take precedence over divisive rhetoric and selfish political calculations.

Kogi State belongs to every citizen irrespective of political affiliation, ethnic background, or senatorial district. As the state continues on the path of unity, stability, and sustainable development, all political actors are encouraged to embrace responsible leadership, mutual respect, peaceful democratic participation, and issue-based campaigns that strengthen, rather than undermine, our shared future.

History has consistently shown that propaganda may dominate the headlines for a moment, but truth ultimately prevails. A politically enlightened populace can always distinguish between genuine advocacy and calculated mischief. The facts remain unshaken, and no amount of distortion can change them.