Breaking: Top Nigerian Politician Usman Okai Bows Out of 2027 Election Race, Gives Reasons

Breaking: Top Nigerian Politician Usman Okai Bows Out of 2027 Election Race, Gives Reasons

  • Hon. Usman Austin Okai announced he would not contest or seek any elective position in the 2027 general elections
  • Hon. Usman Austin Okai made the announcement at his residence in Abocho, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi state on 4 March 2026
  • Hon. Usman Austin Okai urged supporters and constituents to engage peacefully in the democratic process and back candidates who promote development

Hon. Usman Austin Okai, former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, has officially announced that he will not participate in the 2027 general elections.

He confirmed that he will neither contest nor seek any elective position.

Breaking: Top Nigerian Politician Bows Out of 2027 Election Race, Gives Reasons
Breaking: Top Nigerian Politician Bows Out of 2027 Election Race, Gives Reasons
Source: Original

The announcement was made on 4 March 2026 at his residence in Abocho, Dekina Local Government Area, Kogi State.

Reflecting on previous political experience

Okai, who ran under the PDP banner in the last National Assembly polls, finished second in a closely fought election. He described his decision to bow out as a personal choice aimed at focusing on other priorities.

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“I have decided to step back from the 2027 race. This is not a decision I take lightly, but I believe it is the right time for me to focus on personal commitments and other avenues of service to my community,” he said.

Calls for unity and peaceful political engagement

Okai urged his supporters and the people of Dekina/Bassa to continue engaging in the democratic process and to support candidates who would contribute positively to the constituency’s development.

“This is an opportunity for new leadership to emerge. I encourage everyone to participate actively and responsibly in the forthcoming elections,” he added.

His withdrawal marks one of the early notable exits ahead of the 2027 general elections, signalling potential shifts in political alignments within Kogi state.

2027: Tinubu/Shettima gets endorsement

Previously, Legit.ng reported that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in France has declared its support for the re-election of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kashim Shettima in the 2027 general election. In a statement issued by the diaspora chapter’s chairperson, Hajia Amina Suzuki, the group said it reached the decision after reviewing the administration’s record, particularly its handling of economic challenges.

According to the statement, the chapter believes the President’s reform-oriented leadership has placed Nigeria on a course towards lasting economic stability and growth.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ezra Ukanwa avatar

Ezra Ukanwa (Politics and Current Affairs Editor) Ezra Ukanwa is a Reuters-certified journalist with over 5 years of professional experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Anchor University, Lagos. Currently, he is the Politics and Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng, where he brings his expertise to provide incisive, impactful coverage of national events. Ezra was recognized as Best Campus Journalist at the Anchor University Communications Awards in 2019 and is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). Contact him at: ezra.ukanwa@corp.legit.ng or +2349036989944

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