In the political landscape of Kogi West, the conversation surrounding the 2027 general elections has already found a central theme: continuity. As stakeholders and constituents begin to evaluate the trajectory of the district, the focus has shifted toward Senator Sunday Steve Karimi and the growing momentum for a second term in the Red Chamber.
For many in the district, the push for Karimi’s return is not merely about political tradition, but a strategic move to consolidate what has been described as a “quantum leap” in legislative representation and grassroots development.
Since assuming office in June 2023, Senator Karimi—the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services—has transitioned from campaign promises to “visible blueprints.” His tenure has been marked by high-impact projects that address the immediate needs of his people.
In an unprecedented move, Karimi constructed and handed over a fully furnished military base to the Nigerian Army in Egbe to combat rising insecurity in the Kogi West axis.
He facilitated the construction of 75 solar-powered boreholes and the rehabilitation of 60 others, a project valued at over ₦1.2 billion, ensuring clean water access across the seven local governments.
To alleviate the economic burden on families, he recently launched a ₦300 million bursary program benefiting 3,000 students, alongside various vocational training schemes.
Beyond legislative advocacy, the Senator personally committed ₦3 billion (combining constituency allowances and private funds) to supplement the funding of the critical Kabba–Egbe Road, seeking to expedite a project long stalled by federal bureaucracy.
In the Nigerian Senate, “ranking” status is the currency of influence. Karimi, having previously served two terms in the House of Representatives (2011–2019), hit the ground running as a high-ranking lawmaker. His ability to secure a chairmanship of a “Grade A” committee like Senate Services in his first term in the Senate is viewed by political analysts as a strategic advantage for Kogi West.
Returning him for a second term would elevate him to a “Ranking Senator,” potentially positioning the district for even more significant leadership roles and federal allocations. As one constituent noted during a recent town hall in Egbe, “Returning Karimi is about keeping Kogi West at the heart of National Assembly operations.”
The call for consolidation is also rooted in political stability. Senator Karimi has been a vocal advocate for the “Renewed Hope” agenda, recently rallying his constituents to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. By aligning the district’s interests with the center, Karimi argues that Kogi West can move from a culture of “handouts” to a culture of sustainable development.
“If the first term was about planting seeds and building structures, the second term will be about the harvest.”
— Political Analyst, Kogi West
As the 2027 race approaches, the narrative in Kogi West is increasingly becoming a referendum on performance. For the supporters of “Senator Karimi’s Second Term,” the argument is simple: when a representative delivers tangible security, infrastructure, and empowerment, the logical next step is to allow for the consolidation of excellence.
– Ponle Adeniyi
ponleadeniyi457@gmail.com
