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As political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, the race for the House of Representatives seat in the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State is gradually emerging as one of the most closely watched contests in the North Central region.
With the incumbent lawmaker representing the constituency, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, reportedly focusing attention on a governorship ambition, the political equation in the constituency is rapidly changing. For the first time in years, the federal constituency may witness a truly open contest without the overwhelming advantage of incumbency shaping the outcome.
In the middle of this unfolding political transition stands a relatively young but increasingly influential figure — Osisiogu Osikenyi — whose growing political profile is beginning to attract attention across Karu, Keffi and Kokona.
Unlike many conventional politicians whose influence is built mainly on patronage structures and long-standing political alliances, Osikenyi enters the race with something significantly different: continental visibility, youth credibility, international diplomatic exposure and an ideological message centered on political inclusion, generational transition and grassroots empowerment.
At a time when many Nigerians, especially young voters, are becoming increasingly frustrated with traditional political structures, Osikenyi appears to represent a different political culture, one shaped more by activism, Pan-African engagement and youth mobilisation than by conventional godfatherism.
As President of the All-Africa Students Union (AASU), Osikenyi currently occupies one of the most influential youth leadership positions on the African continent. AASU, founded in 1972, remains the umbrella body for student unions and youth movements across Africa. His re-election as President of the organization in Accra, Ghana, in 2025 was widely viewed as a vote of confidence in his leadership capacity and diplomatic reach across the continent.
That continental exposure has become one of the strongest pillars of his political appeal.
Political observers argue that very few aspirants in the Karu/Keffi/Kokona contest possess Osikenyi’s level of international engagement with policymakers, youth organizations, diplomatic actors and African leaders. Through AASU activities, continental conferences and advocacy engagements, Osikenyi has reportedly built relationships with student bodies, government institutions and youth-focused agencies across Africa. Supporters believe those connections could attract educational partnerships, developmental collaborations and international opportunities to the constituency if effectively harnessed.
For many young voters, particularly in Karu, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing urban settlements adjoining the Federal Capital Territory, such global exposure matters significantly.
Supporters of Osikenyi insist that his years in student leadership have equipped him with practical political and administrative skills that distinguish him from many conventional politicians. They point to his experience in negotiation, public engagement, conflict resolution, grassroots organization and policy advocacy as evidence that he possesses the capacity required for legislative representation.
Beyond leadership experience, his exposure to continental conversations around education reform, youth unemployment, democratic participation, innovation and inclusive governance has also helped shape his political outlook. Analysts believe these experiences could make him more responsive to contemporary governance realities compared to politicians whose political exposure remains largely local.
Demographically, the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency possesses one of the strongest youth populations in Nasarawa State. Karu, in particular, has evolved into a major urban extension of Abuja, attracting students, entrepreneurs, civil servants, artisans and professionals from different parts of Nigeria and beyond. This rapid urbanization is gradually changing political expectations within the constituency.
Many young voters increasingly desire accessible representation, issue-based politics, digital engagement, employment opportunities and leadership that understands modern realities. Osikenyi appears to be strategically positioning himself within that political space.
At major political gatherings involving the Young Progressives Party, YPP, in Nasarawa State, he has consistently emphasized political inclusion, youth participation and peaceful democratic engagement. He has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to participate actively in the electoral process by obtaining voter cards and shaping governance through democratic means rather than violence.
His message appears to resonate because it is framed less around ethnic or sectional politics and more around generational responsibility and national development.
Another major factor strengthening Osikenyi’s political profile is the platform under which he seeks to contest. The Young Progressives Party has increasingly projected itself nationally as an alternative platform for young aspirants, women and politically marginalized groups seeking entry into mainstream politics.
This positioning aligns naturally with Osikenyi’s message of inclusion and generational change.
He has openly criticized the financial barriers and exclusionary tendencies within larger political parties, arguing that many established platforms have become inaccessible to ordinary young Nigerians with leadership potential. In that regard, his candidacy is beginning to attract support from voters who see the YPP as part of a broader “third force” movement capable of challenging the dominance of the APC and PDP.
For years, the APC has maintained considerable political influence across Nasarawa State, excluding the Federal Constituency where the Hon. Gaza, a Social Democratic Party represents the people. However, the anticipated exit of Hon. Jonathan Gaza from the House of Representatives race could create a political vacuum capable of reshaping the electoral dynamics within the constituency.
Several APC aspirants are expected to battle for the party’s ticket, but internal contests within dominant political parties often create divisions, grievances and fractured loyalties. That situation may provide an opening for an alternative candidate with strong grassroots appeal, broad youth acceptance and a compelling narrative of change.
This is where Osikenyi’s candidacy may become politically significant.
Rather than presenting himself merely as an opposition figure, he appears to be positioning himself as a bridge between youthful aspirations, grassroots inclusion and developmental politics. That distinction could become one of his strongest political advantages.
His supporters increasingly describe him not simply as another politician seeking office, but as a symbol of generational transition in Nasarawa politics.
Although his public image carries continental dimensions, Osikenyi has consistently emphasized his local roots and long-standing relationship with Karu. At several public events, he has described Karu as home, noting that he has lived within the area for many years. This local connection may help counter criticism that he is more of an international activist than a grassroots politician.
Traditional recognitions have also contributed to strengthening his local acceptance and visibility. He was conferred with the title“Dalma of Kodape Chiefdom” in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. While such recognitions do not automatically guarantee electoral victory, they often help reinforce legitimacy and community acceptance within Nigeria’s political environment.
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding Osikenyi’s aspiration is whether the constituency is ready for a genuine generational shift in representation.
Can a continental student leader successfully transition into mainstream electoral politics? Can youth enthusiasm be converted into actual voter turnout? Can a YPP candidate break through the financial and structural dominance of larger parties?
Those questions remain unanswered.
What is becoming increasingly clear, however, is that Osisiogu Osikenyi is no longer being viewed merely as another aspirant in the race. He is gradually emerging as one of the most visible alternative political voices within the Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency — a candidate whose aspiration is built not just around party structures, but around the broader belief that a new generation of leadership may finally be knocking at the door of Nigerian politics.
Comrade James Ezema is a journalist, political strategist, and public affairs analyst. He serves as National Vice-President Investigation at the Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ) and National President of the Association of Bloggers and Journalists Against Fake News (ABJFN) and writes from Abuja via email: jamesezema@gmail.com and can be reached via WhatsApp: +2348035823617.
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