Nigeria: Kogi West APC stakeholders urge Tinubu to back neutral senate candidate

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Stakeholders from Kogi West Senatorial District have called on President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda to intervene in the party’s disputed senatorial primary, warning the crisis could hurt APC’s 2027 chances.

The appeal came Thursday from Eagle Watch and Project Accountability Initiative, signed by Chairman Alhaji Danasabe Muhammed and Secretary Barr. Abdulateef Kareem.

The group said the crisis stems from a botched primary where Senator Sunday Steve Karimi and Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro were both declared winners, creating parallel claims to the ticket.

It blamed the rift on tensions between blocs loyal to ex-Governor Yahaya Bello and Governor Ahmed Ododo, and supporters of Hon. James Faleke. Karimi was reportedly backed by a “Presidential Unity List” tied to Faleke, triggering resistance. The opposing camp then rallied behind Aro, deepening the split.

To calm tensions, the stakeholders urged APC leadership to drop both aspirants and pick a neutral consensus candidate. They proposed Dr. Ibrahim Tajudeen Bisimillahi from Yagba East LGA as a unifying figure.

“For APC to approach the general elections as one united family, a neutral and acceptable candidate must emerge — someone trusted and respected by all camps,” the group said.

They argued Bisimillahi would restore zoning balance since Yagba East has never produced a senator for Kogi West, unlike other LGAs. They also cited his cross-factional ties, grassroots connections, and humanitarian work as strengths for uniting the party.

The group warned that allowing either Karimi or Aro to proceed would further polarize APC in the district. Adopting a consensus candidate, they added, would ease tension and improve the party’s electoral prospects in 2027.