Tested by service, trusted by the people: Sanan, Ankpa’s 2027 choice
As the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, Nigerians across all constituencies are once again confronted with a familiar but urgent question; the question of leadership. The electorate
- By Alex Akubo
As the race toward the 2027 general elections gathers momentum, Nigerians across all constituencies are once again confronted with a familiar but urgent question; the question of leadership.
The electorate is not merely seeking representation; they are yearning for leadership they can trust, leadership they can shape, and leadership that will genuinely serve their interests.
They desire leaders who listen, who understand, and who possess the capacity to translate the aspirations of the people into measurable progress.
Yet, at every election cycle, these aspirations are loudly echoed but rarely realised. The disconnect between campaign promises and actual governance continues to widen, leaving many citizens disillusioned. What should be a democratic process that delivers development often turns into a cycle of unmet expectations, where elected officials struggle or fail outright to align their actions with their commitments.
One of the most glaring reasons for this persistent failure in political representation lies in the flawed process of candidate selection. Too often, individuals who emerge as candidates lack both the preparedness and the depth of understanding required for the offices they seek to occupy. Leadership, which should be anchored on competence, vision, and service, is instead reduced to political convenience.
The consequence is a recurring pattern of underperformance; public office holders who spend years in power without leaving any meaningful or lasting impact on the people they were elected to serve.
For democracy to deliver its true dividends, greater scrutiny must be applied to those who aspire to represent the people. Their track records; both in public and private life must be carefully examined. Their capacity for leadership, their accessibility, their accountability, and their demonstrated commitment to service must be weighed against the expectations of the electorate. Only through such deliberate evaluation can the people begin to bridge the gap between expectation and reality. This is the position increasingly being adopted by the discerning people of Ankpa Federal Constituency as they look ahead to the 2027 elections.
At this critical moment in our political evolution when the demand is no longer for mere representation but for purposeful and impactful leadership, the people of Ankpa Federal Constituency deserve a voice that not only understands their struggles but has consistently demonstrated a commitment to their progress.
It is within this context that one name continues to resonate across communities in Kogi East: Alhaji Sanusi Abdul Sanusi, popularly known as Sanan.
He is not just a name in the political space; he is a symbol of compassion, service, and measurable impact. Long before any ambition for public office, Alhaji Sanusi established himself as a philanthropist of uncommon reach and sincerity. Through his humanitarian interventions, particularly via the Sanan Foundation, he has touched lives across Ankpa Federal Constituency and beyond, uplifting the vulnerable, empowering the youth, and restoring hope to countless families.
A successful businessman with a deep sense of social responsibility, Alhaji Sanusi embodies the rare blend of enterprise and empathy. His interventions are not symbolic gestures but practical solutions to real problems faced by everyday people. Since the establishment of the Sanan Foundation in 2024, it has served as a structured platform for delivering timely and impactful support across communities.
The Foundation’s interventions span critical sectors that directly influence the quality of life of the people. In the area of community infrastructure and youth development, Alhaji Sanusi undertook the ambitious renovation and remodelling of the Ankpa Township Stadium. What was once a neglected and skeletal football field has been transformed into a functional mini sports complex; a hub of youth engagement and community interaction. Equipped with improved facilities, proper sanitation systems, and water reticulation infrastructure, the stadium now serves as a centre for recreation and talent development. Beyond sports, it has become a strategic tool for curbing youth restiveness and addressing security concerns by channeling youthful energy into productive ventures.
In the area of water and sanitation, the Sanan Foundation has made remarkable strides in improving access to clean and potable water across several communities, including Emere, Enjema, Emabu, Otakpa, and Ojelanyi. Through the drilling and installation of motorised boreholes, thousands of residents now have access to reliable water supply; significantly improving public health and reducing the burden on women and children who often bear the responsibility of sourcing water. These interventions extend to critical public institutions such as the Ankpa Zonal Hospital, where the provision of water facilities has enhanced both healthcare delivery and patient welfare. The Ankpa Township Market has also benefited, improving hygiene standards for traders and consumers alike.
Education, which remains the cornerstone of sustainable development, has not been left behind. Through the Sanan Foundation, Alhaji Sanusi has provided full scholarships to hundreds of students across tertiary institutions in Kogi State. This initiative reflects his firm belief that education is the most powerful tool for societal transformation. By easing the financial burden on indigent families, he is not only investing in individuals but in the future of the constituency as a whole.
Recognising that education must translate into economic empowerment, Alhaji Sanusi has also prioritised job creation and livelihood support. Through his private business ventures, he has employed hundreds of young graduates, providing them with meaningful opportunities to build careers and sustain livelihoods. Beyond direct employment, he has facilitated job placements for others in federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
His support for small businesses and grassroots entrepreneurship is equally commendable. Market women, artisans, and young entrepreneurs have benefited from financial empowerment initiatives, including the provision of business capital and tools for trade. The distribution of motorcycles to youths engaged in transportation services has further enhanced economic activity at the community level, creating income streams and improving mobility within the constituency.
What sets Alhaji Sanusi apart is not merely the scale of his interventions, but their consistency, inclusiveness, and responsiveness to real needs. His approach to service is people-centred, practical, and sustainable; qualities that are indispensable in effective public leadership.
Having demonstrated these qualities in his private capacity, the people of Ankpa Federal Constituency are increasingly convinced that leadership is not a promise for him, it is a proven responsibility he has already embraced. The growing consensus across the constituency is clear: this is a moment to transition from tested goodwill to formal representation.
As 2027 approaches, the choice before the people is not just about electing a representative; it is about choosing a leader whose past reflects the future they desire. In Alhaji Sanusi Abdul Sanusi, they see not just a candidate, but a credible path to purposeful representation, sustainable development, and inclusive progress.
For the people of Ankpa Federal Constituency, the message is becoming unmistakable; there is no compelling alternative.
Dr Alex Akubo, writes from Maitama, Abuja
FCT, akuboalex83@gmail.com.
