Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to close ranks and shift focus to reconciliation and development following the conclusion of the party’s primary election.
In a statement of appreciation issued on Sunday, the Senator said political contests are temporary, but relationships, institutions, and the collective destiny of the people must endure beyond them.
“As our great party concludes this important phase of its democratic process, I give all glory to Almighty God for His grace, strength and wisdom throughout this journey,” Karimi stated.
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for what he described as steadfast leadership and commitment to strengthening democracy and the APC. He also thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his role in uniting and stabilizing the party in Kogi State, and paid tribute to former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, CON, for his enduring contributions to the party’s growth.
The Senator further acknowledged the National Chairman, the National Working Committee, leaders and stakeholders across Kogi West, Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, Local Government Party Chairmen, Ward Executives, and every party member whose commitment, he said, sustained the integrity of the process.
Karimi paid special tribute to his fellow aspirants: Distinguished Sen. Smart Adeyemi, Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro, Alh. Tajudeen Bismillahi, Simidex, Hon. Folaranmi Onirinwa, Hon. Abubakar Ola Zakari, and Chief (Dr.) Doyin Eshanumi Ibikunle. He noted that despite different aspirations, they remain united by a common purpose.
“Their maturity, restraint and commitment to our party reaffirm that leadership is ultimately measured by character, not merely by outcomes,” he said.
Acknowledging that emotions run high during primaries, the Senator sought understanding for any offence caused by him or his supporters, and said he has forgiven every misunderstanding directed at him. “The future of our party is far more important than the disagreements of yesterday,” he added.
He urged the party to replace primary rhetoric with the language of reconciliation, unity, and shared purpose, stressing the need to present a strong, united front for the task ahead. According to him, the collective responsibility is to secure victory and deliver a renewed mandate for President Tinubu, while preserving the unity and stability of the APC.
“Beyond politics, our greatest obligation remains the people of Kogi West. Our conversations must now shift from campaigns to development, from aspirations to service and from competition to the collective advancement of our communities,” Karimi said.
He reaffirmed his commitment as Senator to unite the people, carry every stakeholder along, and ensure no one is left behind in the pursuit of progress. He also pledged to attract more dividends of democracy to Kogi West and to support all tiers of government in delivering good governance.
“There is neither VICTOR nor VANQUISHED. There is only one party, one people and one common destiny. The primary is over. Our greater assignment has begun,” he concluded.
