A group of concerned stakeholders and loyal members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District has reaffirmed its support for Senator Sunday Steve Karimi as the party’s preferred candidate for the 2027 senatorial election, rejecting what it described as an attempt to impose another aspirant.
The group was reacting to a press conference held by an association identifying itself as the “Kogi West APC Leaders Forum,” which reportedly endorsed Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro as the APC’s senatorial candidate ahead of the 2027 polls.
In a statement signed by Ayodele Gbenga on behalf of the Concerned APC Stakeholders, the group insisted that Senator Karimi remains the overwhelming choice of party members and constituents, citing his performance in office over the past two years.
According to the stakeholders, Karimi has provided effective representation through infrastructure development, legislative contributions and regular engagement with constituents across the seven local government areas of Kogi West.
The statement credited the senator with facilitating the approval and commencement of the rehabilitation of the Obajana–Kabba–Egbe–Omu-Aran–Ilorin Road as well as the Kabba–Iyara–Ifaki Road, projects they said would significantly improve economic activities and connectivity within the district.
The group also highlighted his empowerment programmes for youths, women and farmers, alongside bills and motions addressing security, education and the welfare of residents.
Describing the alleged endorsement of Hon. Aro as lacking transparency and due process, the stakeholders maintained that any attempt to replace a performing senator through what they termed a “back-door process” would not enjoy the support of APC members in the district.
They argued that replacing Senator Karimi at this stage would undermine the party’s principles of rewarding performance and internal democracy, warning that such a move could negatively affect the APC’s fortunes in Kogi West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The stakeholders appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Working Committee (NWC) of the APC to disregard any move they believe is aimed at subverting the wishes of party members in the district.
Reaffirming their commitment to Senator Karimi’s re-election bid, the group also pledged to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition, insisting that Kogi West remains a stronghold of the APC.
The statement concluded that the district deserves continuity of representation based on performance rather than what it described as political imposition.
