By Ajuluchukwu Brown, Abuja
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District have appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and the leadership of the party to ensure a transparent review of allegations surrounding the recently concluded senatorial primary election.
The stakeholders expressed concern over claims of alleged result manipulation and forgery, stressing that addressing the issue transparently would help preserve confidence in the democratic process and strengthen unity within the party ahead of the general elections.
According to party officials, Senator Sunday Karimi emerged as the winner of the APC primary election for Kogi West by polling a significant 51,665 votes. He was able to secure this victory against four other aspirants, with Samuel Aro receiving 620 votes, Smart Adeyemi garnering 571 votes, Alhaji Abubakar Zakari Ola obtaining 414 votes, and Elizabeth Adedoyin finishing with 18 votes. This result was officially announced by the Returning Officer for the district, Haruna Isah, who submitted the certified results to the APC Kogi State Senatorial Primary Election Committee.
The outcome of the election was seen as a reflection of widespread support for Senator Karimi across the seven local government areas of Kogi West. Party members noted that the outcome reflected widespread support for Karimi across the seven local government areas of Kogi West.
However, tensions reportedly emerged following allegations that an alternative result sheet surfaced after the exercise, prompting protests in parts of Okunland, particularly within the Yagba axis. Youth groups and concerned party faithful called for clarity and urged the party leadership to thoroughly investigate the claims to prevent further division.
Stakeholders emphasised that the APC has built its reputation on internal democracy and fairness, adding that a prompt and impartial investigation would reinforce public confidence in the party’s electoral processes.
They also appealed to supporters of all aspirants to remain peaceful and law-abiding while relevant authorities review the matter, insisting that unity and due process must prevail over political disagreements.
The Media Coordinator for the Karimi Campaign Team, Adewale Asepo, expressed concerns regarding the undermining of Senator Sunday Karimi’s recent victory. He highlighted that Senator Karimi was officially declared the winner of the APC Kogi West Senatorial primary on May 18, with a substantial and clear mandate of 51,665 votes, as confirmed by the Returning Officer, Haruna Isah.
Adewale emphasised that this impressive margin reflects the strong support and will of delegates from all seven LGAs in Kogi West. He noted that any alternative results following this declaration challenge the democratic process of the party and should not be accepted.
He urged the national leadership of APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take prompt action to address this situation, hold accountable those responsible for any alleged irregularities, and reaffirm the certified results. Upholding the declared outcome is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the primaries and ensuring the confidence of party members moving forward.
