Senator Sunday Steve Karimi representing Kogi west at the National Assembly has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West to put aside the divisions of the party’s senatorial primary and work together for the success of the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement of appreciation he issued on Sunday and made available to newsmen in Lokoja at the final conclusion of the APC primary, Karimi described political contests as temporary, stressing that relationships, institutions and the collective destiny of the people must always endure beyond elections.
The lawmaker expressed gratitude to Almighty God for granting him strength, wisdom and grace throughout the primary process.
The statement reads as follows: “Political contests are temporary; relationships, institutions and the collective destiny of our people must always endure beyond them.
As our great party concludes this important phase of its democratic process, I give all glory to Almighty God for His grace, strength and wisdom throughout this journey.
“I extend my profound appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening our democracy and our great party. I equally express my sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, whose leadership continues to unite and stabilize our party in Kogi State and to the immediate past Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, for his enduring contributions to the growth and strength of our party.
“I deeply appreciate the National Chairman, the National Working Committee, our respected leaders and stakeholders across Kogi West, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, our Local Government Party Chairmen, Ward Executives and every faithful party member whose commitment and sacrifice sustained the integrity of this process.
“I pay special tribute to my brothers and sister, Distinguished Sen. Smart Adeyemi, Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro, Alh. Tajudeen Bismillahi (Simidex), Hon. Folaranmi Onirinwa, Hon. Abubakar Ola Zakari and Chief (Dr.) Doyin Eshanumi Ibikunle, who participated in this exercise. Though we pursued different aspirations, we remain united by a common purpose. Their maturity, restraint and commitment to our party reaffirm that leadership is ultimately measured by character, not merely by outcomes.
“As is often the case in every democratic contest, emotions naturally run high and passions are deeply expressed. If, in the course of this primary, any word, action or omission from me or those associated with my aspiration caused offence to anyone, I sincerely seek your understanding. In the same spirit, I have wholeheartedly forgiven every misunderstanding or hurt directed at me. The future of our party is far more important than the disagreements of yesterday.
“Now is the time for every rhetoric of the primary to give way to the language of reconciliation, unity and shared purpose. We must close ranks, rebuild where necessary and present a strong, united front for the task ahead. Our collective responsibility is not only to secure a resounding victory and deliver a renewed mandate for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, but also to preserve the unity, stability and enduring strength of our great party.
“The primary has ended. The election before us demands one family, one vision and one resolve.
Beyond politics, our greatest obligation remains the people of Kogi West. Our conversations must now shift from campaigns to development, from aspirations to service and from competition to the collective advancement of our communities. That is the true purpose of leadership and that must now command our full attention.
“As your Senator, I reaffirm my unwavering commitment to redouble my efforts in uniting our people, carrying every stakeholder along in the discharge of my responsibilities and ensuring that no one is left behind in our collective pursuit of progress. I shall work with even greater dedication to attract more dividends of democracy to Kogi West and deepen effective representation for every community across our district. I also pledge my support to all tiers of government in Kogi state in the shared task of delivering good governance, accelerating development and improving the lives of our people. Together, through unity of purpose, mutual respect and selfless service, we shall build a stronger party, a more prosperous Kogi West and a greater Kogi State.
“There is neither Victor nor Vanguished. There is only one party, one people and one common destiny.The primary is over. Our greater assignment has begun”.
