2027: Sam Aro Withdraws from Kogi West Senate Race, Backs Party Unity

By Our Correspondent

An aspirant in the All Progressives Congress (APC) race for the Kogi West Senatorial District, Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro, has officially withdrawn from the contest, citing the need to preserve party unity and respect the leadership direction of the ruling party.

Aro, who had emerged as one of the prominent contenders for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 senatorial election, announced his decision in a statement addressed to his supporters, loyalists, and members of his political family across the seven local government areas of Kogi West.

The former aspirant expressed profound gratitude to his supporters for their sacrifices, prayers, commitment, and unwavering belief in his aspiration throughout the political process.

According to him, all aspirants who sought the APC senatorial ticket had duly purchased nomination forms and successfully participated in the party’s screening exercise in preparation for the primary election.

He noted that his ambition was driven by a genuine desire to serve the people and contribute meaningfully to the development of Kogi West.

However, Aro disclosed that following the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and consultations with key stakeholders within the party, he decided to step down from the race in support of the incumbent senator representing the district, Senator Sunday Karimi.

“Following the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who expressed support for the continuation of the incumbent Senator Sunday Karimi, I have decided, after consultations and in the interest of party unity, peace, and respect for the leadership of our great party, to withdraw from the race,” he stated.

The announcement is expected to reshape the political landscape within the APC in Kogi West, where Aro’s aspiration had attracted significant support from party members, youth groups, community leaders, and political stakeholders across the district.

Some leaders believe his withdrawal may further consolidate support for Senator Karimi while helping to avert internal divisions that could have arisen from a highly competitive primary election.

Aro acknowledged that the decision was difficult, considering the immense support and confidence reposed in him by his followers. He said he understood the expectations and sacrifices made by numerous supporters who had invested time and resources in the project.

Despite stepping down, he urged his supporters to remain calm, law-abiding, and committed to the ideals of the APC, stressing that the collective interest of Kogi West and the party should take precedence over individual ambitions.

“I therefore appeal to all our supporters across the seven local governments of Kogi West to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast. Let us continue to conduct ourselves with dignity, maturity, and loyalty to the ideals we have always stood for,” he said.

The APC chieftain further assured his supporters that his withdrawal from the race does not signify the end of his commitment to the political and socio-economic advancement of Kogi West.

According to him, the struggle for the progress and development of the district remains a shared responsibility, and he remains committed to contributing his quota toward achieving that objective.

He reaffirmed his dedication to the future of the senatorial district and thanked his supporters for standing by him throughout the process.

Political analysts have described Aro’s decision as a significant development in the build-up to the 2027 elections, noting that it reflects the growing influence of party leadership in shaping internal political contests and fostering consensus among aspirants.

With the withdrawal, attention is now expected to shift to how APC stakeholders in Kogi West will rally support ahead of the general election and strengthen the party’s chances of retaining the senatorial seat.

Aro concluded his message by praying for the continued peace, unity, and prosperity of Kogi West Senatorial District and expressing optimism that the collective aspirations of the people would ultimately be achieved through cooperation and responsible leadership.

His statement:

Breaking News: Hon. Sam Aro Finally Breaks Silence on Kogi West Senate Race 2027

My dear supporters, loyalists, friends, and members of our political family across Kogi West,

I write to sincerely appreciate every one of you for your sacrifices, encouragement, prayers, commitment, and unwavering support throughout the course of my senatorial aspiration.

As you are aware, all aspirants in the APC Kogi West Senatorial Contest duly purchased nomination forms and successfully passed through the screening process in preparation for the primary election. Our aspiration was built on conviction, service, and the genuine desire to advance the interests of our people.

However, following the intervention of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, who expressed support for the continuation of the incumbent Senator SundayKarimi, I have decided, after consultations and in the interest of party unity, peace, and respect for the leadership of our great party, to withdraw from the race.

This decision was not an easy one considering the overwhelming support and confidence you all invested in this project. I understand the emotions, expectations, and sacrifices made by many of you throughout this journey. Nevertheless, we must continue to place the stability of our party and the collective interest of Kogi West above personal ambition.

I therefore appeal to all our supporters across the seven local governments of Kogi West to remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast. Let us continue to conduct ourselves with dignity, maturity, and loyalty to the ideals we have always stood for.

I remain deeply grateful to you all and I assure you that this decision does not mark the end of our collective commitment to the progress and development of our people. The journey continues, and together we shall remain relevant and committed to the future of Kogi West.

May God bless you all and bless Kogi West Senatorial District.

Samuel Bamidele Aro.

Forwarded by Nda Aaron