Fresh controversy has continued to trail the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Kogi West following the resurfacing of an earlier congratulatory message allegedly issued by the party’s zonal leadership in favour of Senator Sunday Karimi.
The development has sparked renewed debate among party faithful and political observers over recent attempts to project a different narrative regarding the May 18, 2026 primary election.
According to stakeholders, the APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ayo, had shortly after the conduct of the primary election publicly congratulated Senator Karimi on his emergence from the exercise. The message, dated May 19, 2026, was said to have circulated widely across social media platforms and among party supporters within and outside Kogi West.
Observers argue that the congratulatory message amounted to an official acknowledgment of the outcome of the primary election as conducted.
The resurfaced statement has now raised questions among party members over the recent controversy surrounding the exercise and the alleged efforts to advance a contrary position.
Adding to the debate are claims that one of the aspirants currently being mentioned in the controversy had reportedly withdrawn from the senatorial race before the primary election was held.
Stakeholders insist that the sequence of events, including public statements, photographs, videos, eyewitness accounts and other materials already in circulation, should be carefully considered in determining the true outcome of the exercise.
They warned against actions capable of creating confusion within the party, stressing that transparency, consistency and adherence to due process remain critical to sustaining confidence among supporters.
Some party members also expressed concern that conflicting claims over a concluded primary election could deepen tensions within the APC in Kogi West if not properly managed.
They therefore called on party leaders and stakeholders to prioritise unity, fairness and the credibility of the democratic process by respecting facts already available in the public domain.
The stakeholders maintained that preserving the integrity of the party should take precedence over personal interests and political pressure.
