The Kogi West Progressives Forum has rejected a statement allegedly issued by a group identified as the Okun Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, describing it as an anonymous propaganda campaign aimed at undermining the outcome of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary election in Kogi West.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Musa Muhammad on Sunday, the forum said the group behind the endorsement of Hon. Sam Aro Bemidele lacked legitimacy, insisting it has no known leadership, membership, or organizational structure within Kogi West.
According to the forum, the statement in question was unsigned, making it impossible to verify its authenticity or hold anyone accountable for its claims.
The statement reads as follows: “The attention of the Kogi West Progressives Forum has been drawn to a laughable statement purportedly issued by an amorphous group styling itself as the Okun Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Forum, endorsing Hon. Sam Aro Bemidele while attempting to distort the facts surrounding the All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial primary in Kogi West.
“Ordinarily, such a poorly crafted statement would not deserve a response. However, it is important to set the records straight and prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being misled by desperate political actors who have resorted to propaganda after failing at the polls.
“The so-called forum is unknown to the people of Kogi West. It has no identifiable leadership, no known membership, and no visible structure. It exists only in press statements and social media publications, making it nothing more than a convenient platform created by politically desperate individuals who have moved from one failed strategy to another in a futile bid to force an unpopular narrative on the good people of Kogi West.
“More disturbing is the fact that the statement was unsigned. A group making such weighty political claims could not even summon the courage to identify its president, secretary or any responsible officer. This lack of accountability raises serious questions about its authenticity and reinforces the suspicion that its promoters are unwilling to stand publicly behind their own claims. Public advocacy demands openness, not anonymity.
“At a time when all genuine stakeholders should be working to strengthen the APC ahead of the forthcoming general election, it is unfortunate that certain individuals, both within and outside Kogi West, are determined to sow confusion over a matter that was conclusively decided by APC members across the senatorial district.
“The All Progressives Congress remains a party founded on order, internal democracy, respect for due process and the rule of law. The Kogi West Senatorial Primary was conducted peacefully, freely and credibly under the supervision of the party. Delegates freely exercised their constitutional right, and Senator Sunday Karimi emerged as the duly nominated candidate of the party.
“It is on record that Hon. Sam Aro Bemidele was not present at the primary election, and the outcome was accepted by those who participated in the process. Any attempt to rewrite history through media campaigns cannot alter the official outcome of a validly conducted primary election.
“No amount of sponsored statements, media propaganda or manufactured endorsements can overturn the will of the thousands of APC members and delegates who participated in producing the party’s candidate. The mandate freely given to Senator Sunday Karimi remains intact and should be respected by all party faithful.
“We therefore call on APC members across Kogi West to disregard the activities of faceless groups whose only mission is to distract the party and create needless controversy. This is the time for unity, reconciliation and collective commitment to ensuring another resounding victory for the APC.
“The Kogi West Progressives Forum remains steadfast in its support for the supremacy of the party, the integrity of its processes and the collective aspirations of the people of Kogi West.
