The recent claim by the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government, Hon. Dare Zacchaeus, that Senator Sunday Karimi is “politically displaced” and “gone” is, at best, a subjective outburst and, at worst, a misreading of the political dynamics in Kogi West.
Public office holders are entitled to opinions, but when such views are expressed in a manner that attempts to distort political reality, they deserve a measured and factual response.
To begin with, political relevance is not determined by comments made under Facebook posts, nor is it measured by momentary alignments or disagreements among supporters. It is built over time through sustained engagement, grassroots connection, and visible impact—areas where Senator Karimi has continued to demonstrate presence.
The assertion that the senator is “politically displaced” ignores the enduring support base he commands across Kabba/Bunu and the wider Kogi West Senatorial District. Political structures are not always loud or visible on social media; they often exist in quiet, consistent community engagement, which cannot be dismissed with sweeping generalisations.
Furthermore, the chairman’s criticism of those associated with Senator Karimi as individuals without party identity reflects a narrow understanding of Nigeria’s evolving political space. In a democracy, citizens and political actors reserve the right to align, realign, and express divergent views without being branded as politically irrelevant. Fluidity in political association is not a weakness—it is, in many cases, a reflection of democratic freedom.
It is also important to stress that political discourse, especially from someone occupying a sensitive public office, should be guided by decorum and responsibility. Statements that appear dismissive or derogatory do little to promote unity or constructive engagement within the polity. Rather, they risk deepening divisions and reducing governance to personal contestations.
The reality remains that Senator Karimi’s political journey and influence cannot be invalidated by a single comment, however strongly worded. Political relevance is ultimately determined by the people, not by isolated opinions.
As reactions continue to trail the chairman’s remarks, it would be more productive for stakeholders to focus on governance, service delivery, and issues that directly affect the lives of constituents, rather than engaging in narratives that neither advance development nor strengthen democratic values.
In the end, history has shown that political strength is tested at the polls and in the hearts of the people—not in the comment sections of social media platforms.
– Ahmad Musa wrote from Lokoja.
