By Yekini Jimoh
As political calculations ahead of the 2027 general election gather momentum in Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Karimi is increasingly positioning himself as a formidable force whose influence continues to shape the region’s political direction.
Despite growing conversations within the All Progressives Congress (APC) over who should fly the party’s flag in 2027, political observers believe Karimi who is Chairman Senate Committee on House Services remains one of the strongest contenders in the race, owing to his grassroots appeal, legislative visibility and strategic political alliances across the seven local government areas of Kogi West.
Karimi, who currently represents Kogi West in the Senate, rose to prominence after defeating former Senator Smart Adeyemi in the APC primary and subsequently winning the 2023 senatorial election. Since assuming office, he has consistently projected himself as a grassroots politician with strong ties to party structures and local communities.
Supporters of the senator argue that his growing popularity is tied to constituency projects, empowerment programmes and his intervention in security and infrastructure development across the district. Among the projects frequently cited by his loyalists are the construction of a military base in Yagba West and water projects spread across communities in Kogi.
Political groups aligned with the senator have also intensified campaigns promoting his second-term ambition, insisting that his performance in office has earned him widespread acceptance among constituents.
Recently, the Karimi 2.0 Group dismissed attempts by some APC stakeholders to allegedly sideline the senator ahead of 2027, describing him as the most popular political figure currently representing Kogi West at the national level.
The group maintained that no political arrangement or endorsement by a select few individuals could determine the outcome of the next senatorial election without the consent of the electorate.
“His acceptance is rooted in purposeful representation and direct engagement with the people,” the group stated while defending the senator’s political relevance ahead of the next election cycle.
However, Karimi’s political journey toward 2027 is not without opposition. Some APC stakeholders in Kogi West have openly expressed reservations about his re-election bid, citing concerns over party cohesion and representation. A section of party leaders recently called for an open primary process, arguing that the district deserves a transparent contest ahead of the election.
Yet, many analysts believe the opposition against Karimi may ultimately strengthen his political base by keeping him at the centre of political discourse within the district.
Observers also point to his evolving relationship with key APC power brokers in Kogi politics, including former Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, as a major factor that could shape the outcome of the 2027 contest.
Although disagreements and political tensions have surfaced at different times, Karimi has continued to maintain relevance within the ruling party while openly defending President Bola Tinubu’s administration and APC leadership in the state.
In a district historically known for fierce political rivalries and unpredictable voting patterns, the 2027 senatorial race is expected to attract intense competition from both old and emerging political actors.
Still, with an existing political structure, incumbency advantage and visible grassroots mobilisation already taking shape across Kogi West, Senator Sunday Karimi appears determined to stand tall in what could become one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in Kogi State.
