Allies of Honourable James Abiodun Faleke have accused political rivals of manufacturing a state‑level campaign around the long‑serving lawmaker, calling recent honours, endorsements and media reports a calculated effort to pull him into Kogi State politics and away from national priorities.
In a statement signed by Otunba Olukayode Biobaku, the group described a string of ceremonial tributes and “courtesy visits” and an online article they said falsely claimed a “one‑term” deal involving Faleke as part of a broader manoeuvre by “self‑serving political actors.”
The statement said Faleke promptly denied the report and urged the public to disregard it.
According to the group, “He is, and will always remain, a proud son of Kogi State,” the group said, noting his role as running mate in the 2015 gubernatorial contest and his later political base in Lagos.
The group also described Faleke as a senior national figure whose institutional influence is more valuable to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and to the country than playing local politics.
“Political wisdom lies not merely in recognising opportunities but in discerning the difference between opportunity and distraction,” the statement.
They urged Faleke to resist what it called “carefully orchestrated political manoeuvres” and to concentrate on strengthening the APC and supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re‑election effort.
The allies highlighted Faleke’s background in the private sector and an “outstanding legislative career,” arguing that his expertise—particularly in fiscal oversight and public finance—is needed as the administration pursues economic reforms.
The group also urged APC leaders to devote resources to national consolidation and warned against conscripting Faleke into state politics driven by “personal ambition” and an “entitlement mentality.”
The allies’ intervention, they said, was meant to counter growing speculation and to preserve Faleke’s standing within national political structures.
Faleke has represented Ikeja Federal Constituency since 2011 and previously served as executive chairman of Ojodu Local Council Development Area.
The statement said he occupies “a more strategic position within the APC, the National Assembly and the national political architecture than at any other time in his public life.”
