NO ROOM FOR DIVISION! Kogi West Elders Back Karimi for 2027
The Kogi West Elders Assembly has called on members of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state’s western senatorial district to close ranks ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that internal disputes could weaken the party’s chances.
In a statement, the group criticized a meeting held on Saturday in Lokoja by what it described as a faction operating under the name “Kogi West APC Leaders Forum,” saying the gathering was not representative of all major stakeholders in the district.
The meeting, held at Reverton Hotel, was reportedly convened by Jerry Omodara, the Kogi State security adviser, and attended by several state appointees and party figures.
The elders said the meeting attempted to challenge the outcome of the APC senatorial primary held on May 18, 2026, which they said produced incumbent Senator Sunday Steve Karimi as the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
They dismissed claims that another aspirant won the primary, saying the party’s national leadership had already recognized Karimi as the candidate.
The statement also said several prominent APC figures in Kogi West, including former Senator Smart Adeyemi and other senior party officials, were neither consulted nor present at the meeting.
The elders referred to an earlier reconciliation meeting convened by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, where party leaders were reportedly urged to set aside differences and work for unity.
They described Karimi as a strong political figure in the district, citing his past electoral victories and his support programmes for students and communities.
The group said his work in education, infrastructure, healthcare and road rehabilitation had strengthened his standing among voters in Kogi West.
The elders appealed to party members to avoid further division and instead rally support for President Bola Tinubu, Karimi and other APC candidates ahead of the 2027 polls.
