Former Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Smart Adeyemi, has withdrawn from the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial race, saying the interest of the party and the unity of Kogi State must prevail over personal ambition.
Adeyemi, a three-term senator, announced his decision in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Sunday.
He explained that his withdrawal followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across Kogi West, stressing that the collective interest of the APC remained paramount ahead of future elections.
According to him, the decision was reached after several meetings involving political leaders and stakeholders from the district, including a harmonisation meeting held at the residence of retired Commander Jerry Omadara.
“I have been duly informed and briefed about the position of stakeholders from the Western Senatorial District regarding the primary elections,” he stated.
“After careful consultations and consideration of all submissions made, I have resolved to take into account the very necessary factors that will ensure victory for our great party in the forthcoming elections.”
Adeyemi said the stakeholders adopted zoning and other political considerations as part of efforts to maintain peace, stability and unity within the district and the state.
He noted that the stakeholders eventually endorsed Senator Sunday Karimi for another term, despite the interest shown by other aspirants.
“Although I remain the sole aspirant from my federal constituency, I have decided to withdraw from the race in the overriding interest of the APC so as to strengthen unity, cohesion and oneness within Kogi State,” he said.
Quoting civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., Adeyemi stated that true leadership is demonstrated during periods of challenge and controversy rather than comfort and convenience.
The former senator urged his supporters and party faithful to support Senator Sunday Karimi as the APC candidate, insisting that politics should not be driven by bitterness or personal animosity.
“My kind of politics is without bitterness and animosity,” he declared.
He further emphasised the need for APC members in Kogi State to remain united ahead of the 2027 general elections, particularly in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Adeyemi expressed confidence in Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as bold and necessary steps toward rebuilding Nigeria’s economy and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
He said the removal of fuel subsidy and other policy measures, though challenging in the short term, were critical to securing sustainable economic growth and attracting foreign investment.
The former lawmaker also commended Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for ongoing infrastructural projects across the state, particularly the new airport project, which he described as strategic to the economic development of Kogi State.
He equally praised former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello for his commitment to the unity and stability of the APC in the state as well as his support for President Tinubu’s second-term ambition.
Adeyemi thanked his supporters, associates and party members for their encouragement and understanding, while expressing optimism that Nigeria’s future remains bright under the current administration.
“Tomorrow still lies ahead of all of us, and we must always remember that the hand of God ultimately guides the affairs of men,” he added.
