Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, has publicly rejected reports linking him to an alleged one-term governorship arrangement in Kogi State, describing the claims as false, misleading and without factual basis.
Faleke issued the clarification in a statement on his verified X account on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, amid widespread online speculation.
The disputed report, published by online platform TrackNews, claimed that the Presidency had directed former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo to honour a purported one-term agreement involving Faleke.
The article suggested that Faleke had some role in brokering or endorsing the arrangement.
In his rebuttal, Faleke said the report was “entirely false” and that he had **never had any discussion, nor was he privy to any conversation, arrangement or agreement regarding a one-term deal in Kogi State or any related matter.” He emphasised that at no point was he directly or indirectly involved in such discussions.
Faleke noted that the article had triggered numerous enquiries and messages from members of the public seeking clarification, which compelled him to set the record straight.
“The story is a fabrication and should be disregarded in its entirety,” he said, urging Nigerians to treat similar unverified political reports with caution.
He also called on media organisations and online platforms to prioritise accuracy and verification in political reporting to prevent the spread of misinformation, which can mislead citizens and generate unnecessary political tension.
Faleke reaffirmed his commitment to transparent public communication, highlighting the importance of responsible leadership and trust in public discourse.
Political speculation around governorship arrangements in Kogi has become part of broader discussions about 2027 electoral strategies in the state.
Kogi’s political landscape has seen shifting alliances, debates over zoning arrangements and a focus on how power will rotate among different senatorial districts. False or unverified claims can inflame local tensions, particularly as stakeholders position themselves ahead of the election cycle.
Faleke’s clarification comes at a time when political narratives on social media and lesser-known platforms often circulate rapidly, making official statements crucial for correcting public discourse. Analysts say that clear and timely responses from public figures can help temper misinformation and reinforce trust in democratic processes.
For constituents in Ikeja and observers of national politics, Faleke’s denial highlights the challenges of managing political narratives in a highly connected media environment, especially when issues involve high-profile figures and contestable interpretations of political arrangements.
Meta description: Lawmaker James Abiodun Faleke rejects claims linking him to an alleged one-term governorship agreement in Kogi State, calling the report false and urging accuracy in political reporting.
