A purported plot by opposition elements to destabilize the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 elections has reportedly come to light, raising concerns among party stakeholders.
According to sources familiar with the development, the strategy involves influencing the APC’s senatorial primaries by promoting the candidacy of a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Samuel Aro. Aro, who served in the Sixth Assembly from 2007 to 2011, is said to have close ties with businessman Chief Tunde Ayeni, widely believed to be a key supporter of opposition political interests.
Insiders allege that the plan is to secure the APC ticket for Aro, with the expectation that he would covertly support the presidential candidate of an opposition party during the general election. Political observers speculate that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may emerge as a leading contender for that ticket, further intensifying the stakes.
Party sources also claim that discussions surrounding the alleged plan have taken place in high-level meetings involving influential political figures within Kogi State. The reported objective is to fracture the APC’s support base in Kogi West, a region largely dominated by Okun-Yoruba voters who strongly backed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 election.
Analysts suggest that such a move, if true, could weaken the APC’s electoral strength by dividing its traditional support base, thereby improving the opposition’s chances in the district and beyond.
The current senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Karimi, is widely regarded by constituents as having delivered on his mandate and maintained a strong alignment with the Tinubu administration. His independent stance on state political issues, including calls for greater accountability in local governance, has reportedly put him at odds with certain political interests.
Further reports indicate that Aro, who was the running mate to the PDP governorship candidate in 2019, may have been persuaded to join the APC race despite initial reluctance. Sources allege that financial backing was offered to support his political ambitions, although these claims remain unverified.
Questions have also been raised about Aro’s eligibility to contest, stemming from past legal issues related to the 2014 fuel subsidy investigations. While he reportedly entered a plea arrangement to refund funds linked to his company, legal experts note that such agreements do not necessarily equate to full exoneration.
Meanwhile, the broader political context includes lingering tensions within the APC in Kogi State, particularly between allies of former Governor Yahaya Bello and the Tinubu-led federal administration. Observers believe these internal dynamics may be contributing to shifting alliances and strategic maneuvering ahead of 2027.
As political activities begin to gather momentum, party leaders and stakeholders are expected to closely monitor developments in Kogi West, amid calls for transparency, unity, and adherence to democratic principles in the lead-up to the primaries.
