…Condemns Gegu Beki Political Gathering Amid Period of Grief
Controversy has continued to trail comments made by the Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, over the performance and re-election prospects of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, who represents Kogi West Senatorial District.
The remarks, delivered on Sunday at an event in Gegu Beki organised by the 4G Network, have generated mixed reactions among political stakeholders and supporters across the district.
At the heart of the debate are allegations from Senator Karimi’s camp that the commissioner misrepresented historical facts relating to development efforts in Kogi Local Government Area, particularly projects credited to the lawmaker.
The claims have reignited discussions around the senator’s track record and the political calculations ahead of the 2027 elections.
Some chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the area say the development has further exposed underlying tensions within the party, as different interests position themselves for the forthcoming electoral contest.
They note that such public exchanges risk deepening divisions if not properly managed.
Supporters of Senator Karimi have strongly rejected the commissioner’s assertions, describing them as misleading and politically motivated.
They insist that the senator’s tenure has been marked by tangible projects and interventions that have had measurable impact on communities across Kogi West.
A political group under the banner of APC Freedom has been particularly vocal, cautioning Engr. Bashir Gegu against what it described as attempts to distort facts for political advantage.
The group stressed that public office holders must exercise restraint and uphold accuracy when speaking on governance and representation.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the group’s leader, Usman Abdulmalik Adabo, expressed disappointment with the commissioner’s remarks, alleging that they were aimed at undermining Senator Karimi’s chances of securing a second term.
He warned that such statements could create avoidable divisions within the ruling party.
Adabo also questioned the rationale behind promoting alternative candidates, arguing that the people of Kogi West have already shown preference for continuity.
According to him, any attempt to impose a different candidate may not align with the expectations of the electorate.
The group maintained that Senator Karimi’s record in office speaks for itself, citing what it described as dividends of democracy delivered through infrastructure projects, educational support programmes, and empowerment initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods across the district.
Amid the rising tension, APC Freedom called on Engr. Bashir Gegu to reconsider his stance and align with what it termed the collective will of the people.
It urged party leaders and stakeholders to prioritise unity and avoid actions capable of weakening the party ahead of future elections.
In a related development, the group criticised the timing of the Gegu Beki event, describing it as inappropriate given that APC leaders in the state were mourning the passing of the wife of a former Kogi State Accountant-General.
It urged the commissioner to demonstrate sensitivity by joining party faithful in the period of mourning rather than organising political gatherings.
A party chieftain say the unfolding exchanges reflect deeper rivalries within the APC in Kogi West.
They caution that the manner in which party leaders handle these disagreements could significantly influence electoral outcomes, as debates over performance, representation, and continuity continue to shape public opinion in the district.
