By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Karimi Support Group (KSG) has declared “shame on a senatorial aspirant” who had hoped to profit from the misunderstanding between former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and Senator Sunday Karimi, following their reconciliation in Abuja.
The peace meeting, which took place at Yahaya Bello’s residence in Abuja, was initiated and brokered by Alhaji Sulaiman Baba-Ali, the APC leader in Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency and the Gabi Sayadi of Lokoja.
His intervention brought an end to months of political tension that had unsettled the All Progressives Congress (APC) family across the state.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the Karimi Support Group commended Baba-Ali for his statesmanship, describing him as a leader of peace whose efforts had restored harmony between two major political forces in Kogi.
“Shame on the senatorial aspirant who thought the disagreement between Bello and Karimi would give him an easy ride to the APC ticket,” the group said.
“Baba-Ali’s intervention has exposed those who thrive on division and reminded everyone that unity is the true strength of our party.”
Sources at the Abuja meeting said Baba-Ali called on both Yahaya Bello and Senator Karimi to put the interest of Kogi and the APC above personal differences.
After the closed-door discussion, both leaders reportedly embraced and pledged to work together in the spirit of brotherhood and progress.
Although Yahaya Bello hails from Kogi Central and Senator Karimi represents Kogi West, their recent misunderstanding had created ripple effects across the state’s political scene.
Baba-Ali’s peace initiative was therefore seen as a major breakthrough in restoring stability and mutual trust among APC leaders.
A source close to the meeting disclosed that Baba-Ali cautioned against internal wrangling ahead of future elections, saying division would only weaken the party’s collective strength.
“He told them that unity is not a choice but a necessity,” the source said.
“He emphasized that APC can only win when its leaders stand together.”
Members of the Karimi Support Group who spoke to journalists in Abuja hailed the reconciliation as a masterstroke that has repositioned the APC for victory in subsequent elections.
One of the group leaders, Alhaji Gambo Muhammad said, “The reconciliation shocked many who built their ambitions around crisis.
Baba-Ali’s action has humbled them. Those who thrive on gossip and political blackmail have been put to shame.”
Another member added, “We thank Alhaji Baba-Ali for proving again that he is a bridge-builder. His wisdom has restored peace between our principal, Senator Karimi, and His Excellency Yahaya Bello. This unity will strengthen the APC not only in Kogi West but across the entire state.”
Political observers say the Abuja reconciliation has reshaped the political equation in Kogi, as two key blocs—Central and West—now appear to be working in renewed harmony. The development is expected to influence alignments and strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
With the new alliance taking shape, the senatorial aspirant who had relied on the rift between Bello and Karimi to gain political leverage is now said to be losing relevance among party faithful.
“The game has changed,” a senior APC stakeholder remarked. “Those who depended on crisis are finished. It’s now about loyalty, unity, and collective strength under the leadership of men like Baba-Ali.”
Analysts believe that the successful reconciliation further cements Baba-Ali’s reputation as one of the most respected and influential political figures in Kogi State — a man known for promoting peace, inclusion, and the stability of the party.
