By Yekini Jimoh
The emergence of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kogi West Senatorial District has continued to dominate political discussions across the district.
The party’s national leadership has reportedly affirmed his victory following the appeal process, the controversy surrounding the primary election has refused to fade.
The question many political observers are asking is simple: Who is really after Karimi?
Every election season produces winners and losers, but what has made the Kogi West contest particularly interesting is the persistence of opposition even after the party’s internal processes appear to have been concluded.
This has fueled speculation about the motives behind the continued resistance to Karimi’s emergence.
One school of thought believes the opposition is driven by political ambition.
Aspirants who invested considerable resources in the contest may find it difficult to accept defeat, hoping that sustained pressure could alter the outcome or strengthen their bargaining position within the party.
Others argue that the disagreement reflects deeper political rivalries that predate the primary election.
Kogi West politics has long been shaped by alliances, zoning debates and competition among influential political blocs. To many observers, the contest is therefore about more than one Senate ticket—it is about influence and future political relevance.
Supporters of Senator Karimi, however, maintain that the primary election was conducted transparently and that documentary records and video evidence support his victory. They also point to the reported decision of the APC national leadership to uphold his candidacy as evidence that the party followed due process.
Critics, on the other hand, insist that they are exercising their democratic right to question the process. They argue that internal party democracy is strengthened when aggrieved members are allowed to seek redress through established mechanisms rather than resorting to violence.
Beyond the legal and procedural arguments lies a more important political consideration. The APC’s greatest challenge may not come from opposition parties but from internal divisions. Prolonged disagreements could weaken party cohesion and provide opportunities for political opponents ahead of the 2027 general election.
For party leaders, reconciliation may now be more important than celebration. Healing internal wounds, accommodating divergent interests and uniting members behind a common objective could determine whether the APC retains its dominance in Kogi West.
Ultimately, democracy is not only about winning elections but also about respecting established procedures and ensuring that grievances are addressed fairly.
Whether one supports Senator Karimi or his challengers, the emphasis should remain on evidence, due process and party unity.
As the political landscape evolves, the coming months will reveal whether the disagreements surrounding the APC senatorial primary are merely the aftermath of a competitive contest or the beginning of a broader struggle for political control in Kogi West.
The outcome will shape not only Senator Karimi’s political future but also the strength and unity of the APC in the district ahead of 2027.
