By DANJUMA AMODU
Philanthropist and businessman emerges as consensus candidate, pledges “unprecedented representation” for Kogi East in 2027.
Businessman and founder of the Idris HK Foundation, Idris Husseini Kassim, popularly known as Idris HK, has emerged as the consensus candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) for the Kogi East Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The affirmation signals a homecoming for Idris HK, who earlier declared to run under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before returning to contest under the SDP, a party with entrenched support across Kogi East, long regarded as its political stronghold in the state. His short-lived move towards the PDP had sparked speculation about shifting alliances in the district, but the latest development cements his ambition under the SDP platform.
In a press statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Idris HK described the mandate as “not just a personal victory” but “a collective testament to our shared vision for the progress and transformation of our people across the nine local government areas of Kogi East.”
“I sincerely mean it when I say that Kogi East will experience unprecedented and positive representation. Together, we can build a senatorial district we will all be proud of.” — Idris HK
He thanked party executives, delegates, stakeholders, traditional rulers, and grassroots leaders for endorsing his candidacy, noting that their trust was “a debt I intend to repay with dedicated, transparent, and impactful service.” He also commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for overseeing a transparent and credible process.
Idris HK, an entrepreneur known for community interventions, cited his projects to include the donation of transformers and solar street lights to communities in Ankpa and Ofu, the ongoing Ankpa Electricity Project aimed at ending years of blackout, borehole projects, scholarships, medical outreaches, and youth empowerment programmes.
“I am now ready to bring that same energy, dedication and structural development to the Senate for the entire Kogi East Senatorial District,” he said.
He pledged “purposeful, people-oriented representation” anchored on massive electrification, agricultural revitalisation, youth empowerment, and infrastructural growth.
Political observers say his return to the SDP — and his bid for the senatorial seat in a zone where the party commands significant influence, could alter the 2027 political permutations in Kogi East, particularly after his brief alignment with the PDP.
