Kogi West Masses Reject Secret Endorsement, Reaffirm Support for Senator Karimi

By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab

A wave of reactions has continued to trail the alleged endorsement of Hon. Bamidele Sam Aro by a few stakeholders in Kogi West, with many residents and political supporters reportedly rejecting the move and reaffirming their support for Sunday Karimi.

The endorsement, which reportedly took place in a secret location, was described by concerned supporters in the district as an attempt by a handful of individuals to impose a candidate on the people without broad consultation.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday, the meeting was allegedly orchestrated by “one individual from Kogi Local Government” said to have personal business interests connected to petroleum dealings with Hon. Sam Aro.

The statement further claimed that the gathering was deliberately held away from public attention due to fears of resistance and rejection from the grassroots population across the senatorial district.

“The people of Kogi West have already spoken through their overwhelming support for Senator Sunday Karimi. No secret endorsement by a few individuals can override the wishes of the masses,” the statement noted.

Supporters of Senator Karimi maintained that the lawmaker has continued to strengthen his relationship with the people through effective representation, empowerment programmes and sustained engagement with constituents across the district.

They argued that the senator’s growing popularity and political acceptance have unsettled opponents seeking to use backdoor arrangements and closed-door meetings to influence the political direction of Kogi West.

Several youth groups and grassroots mobilizers in the district were also said to have distanced themselves from the endorsement, insisting that any genuine political decision concerning the future of Kogi West must involve wider participation from party faithful and community stakeholders.

Political observers believe the latest development signals increasing political tension within the APC in Kogi West as various interests position themselves ahead of future party primaries.

The statement, signed by Alhaji Idris Muhammad, concluded by expressing confidence that Senator Karimi would continue to enjoy the support of the majority of people in the district, stressing that “time shall definitely tell who truly has the mandate of the masses.”