By Musa Tanimu Nasidi.
The seven-day ultimatum issued by the Kogi West APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ayo Aledare, asking Senator Sunday Steve Karimi to tender an unreserved public apology to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo over alleged accusations against the state government has raised serious questions about party discipline, internal democracy and the limits of the chairman’s authority.
At the heart of the controversy is a fundamental question: Is Senator Karimi’s offence his alleged criticism of the state government, or his insistence on justice, fairness, equity and political inclusiveness for the people of Kogi West ahead of the 2027 general elections?
While party discipline is necessary for unity and cohesion, it must not be used as an instrument of intimidation against elected representatives who raise legitimate concerns about their constituencies and the party.
A Zonal Chairman Cannot Unilaterally Expel an Elected Senator
First, it is important to clarify that the Kogi West APC Zonal Chairman does not, by virtue of his position alone, possess the unilateral authority to expel an elected senator from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Any disciplinary action against a member must follow the provisions of the party’s constitution, including the appropriate procedures, competent party organs and the right of the affected member to a fair hearing.
An ultimatum issued by a zonal chairman cannot automatically translate into expulsion. The party constitution must prevail over personal interests, political disagreements and threats.
If there are genuine allegations of anti-party activities against Senator Karimi, the appropriate party organs should investigate them and allow him to defend himself.
Karimi’s Record of Service
Senator Sunday Steve Karimi’s contributions to Kogi West should not be dismissed simply because he has chosen to speak out on issues affecting the political environment in the state.
Since assuming office, Karimi has pursued interventions in education, infrastructure, electricity, empowerment and other areas of constituency development.
His educational support initiatives have attracted recognition, including an award for his contributions to educational development in the North-Central region. His intervention in electricity infrastructure, including the provision of a 500KVA transformer for Madabo Ward D in Lokoja Local Government Area, is also part of his constituency efforts.
Rather than threatening him with expulsion, the zonal chairman should engage with the senator on the substance of his concerns and objectively assess his performance.
Who Is Behind the Political Crisis?
It is equally important to examine the circumstances surrounding the political disagreements within the Kogi West APC.
Aro Bamidele, who reportedly did not participate in the APC senatorial primary election that produced Senator Karimi as the party’s candidate, should explain the basis of any claim to the party’s senatorial ticket outside the recognised electoral process.
The party’s primary election is the recognised mechanism for determining its candidate. It should not be undermined by political arrangements, pressure groups or the influence of government appointees.
There are concerns among party members that some government appointees, who should ordinarily be working to strengthen the APC, are allegedly involved in activities that could weaken the party and provide political advantage to the opposition.
The question is: why should a senator who emerged through the party’s primary election be subjected to political hostility from individuals who neither participated in the primary nor have the constitutional authority to overturn its outcome?
If these allegations are untrue, those concerned should come forward with facts. But dismissing such concerns without investigation does not resolve the problem.
Karimi’s Allegations Deserve Investigation
Senator Karimi’s reported comments during his visit to the Ilajo Royal Family in Kabba should be examined on their merits.
If he alleges that certain government appointees are working against him and supporting opposition interests, the appropriate response should be an impartial investigation rather than an immediate demand for an apology.
Indeed, the senator’s concerns raise a wider question about loyalty and political commitment within the ruling party.
It is contradictory for individuals holding sensitive positions in an APC-led government to allegedly work against an elected APC senator while simultaneously demanding party loyalty from him.
If the government is confident that its appointees are not involved in anti-party activities, it should welcome an impartial examination of the allegations.
Speaking out, raising concerns and demanding accountability should not automatically be interpreted as acts of rebellion. Senator Karimi’s position should be examined based on facts and evidence.
His Alleged Offence: Advocating Justice and Fairness for Kogi West in 2027
Perhaps the greatest offence of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, in the eyes of some political interests, is his insistence on justice, fairness, equity and political inclusiveness for the people of Kogi West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Karimi’s position is that the people of Kogi West deserve a fair opportunity to determine their political future without intimidation, manipulation or undue interference by individuals holding government appointments.
His advocacy for a level playing field should not be misconstrued as disloyalty to the APC or disrespect for the state government. Rather, it raises fundamental questions about political representation, equal opportunities and the need to respect the wishes of the electorate.
The 2027 political process should not be designed to favour a select group of individuals at the expense of the wider interests of Kogi West. Neither should government appointments become instruments for determining who gets political opportunities or whose aspirations are suppressed.
If demanding justice and fairness for the people of Kogi West is what has attracted threats of expulsion against the senator, then the real issue is the need for a sincere conversation about internal democracy and political equity.
Karimi should be judged by his actions, legislative record and commitment to his constituents, not by his willingness or otherwise to endorse the political ambitions of particular individuals.
The people of Kogi West deserve to have their voices heard in 2027. Their political destiny must be determined through a credible, transparent and democratic process.
A Challenge to the Zonal Chairman
Rather than issuing threats of expulsion, Hon. Aledare should provide answers to questions that are important to the people of Kogi West.
He is challenged to publicly identify APC-led government projects worth at least N20 billion executed in the Western Senatorial District from 2015 to date, indicating their locations, costs, contractors and completion status.
This challenge is an invitation to accountability and an opportunity to demonstrate what the APC has delivered to the people of Kogi West over the years.
The people deserve facts, figures and verifiable projects, not political propaganda or threats against elected representatives.
If the zonal chairman believes that Karimi has failed in his legislative responsibilities, he should present evidence. If he believes the senator has engaged in anti-party activities, he should submit the allegations to the appropriate party organs for investigation.
Karimi Stands for Justice and Internal Democracy
Senator Karimi’s political position should not be reduced to a personal disagreement with Governor Ododo. The fundamental issues are the protection of internal democracy, respect for electoral outcomes and the right of party members to express legitimate grievances.
The APC cannot preach discipline while ignoring concerns about political intimidation. It cannot demand loyalty from elected officials while allegations of anti-party activities involving other party members remain unexamined.
The senator has a responsibility to his constituents, just as the party leadership has a responsibility to protect its members and uphold the constitution.
Governor Ododo’s administration should also recognise that constructive criticism and genuine concerns from elected representatives can provide an opportunity to strengthen governance.
The APC in Kogi West needs reconciliation, fairness and genuine political engagement, not threats, factionalism and attempts to silence dissenting voices.
Ultimately, no individual should be bigger than the party, and no party official should place himself above the party’s constitution.
Senator Sunday Steve Karimi should be allowed to discharge his mandate without intimidation. If there are genuine allegations against him, let the appropriate party organs investigate them and give him a fair hearing.
The overriding interest should be the people of Kogi West, whose aspirations, political rights and democratic choices must remain central to every political calculation ahead of 2027.
Justice, fairness, equity and internal democracy should not become offences within a political party that claims to uphold democratic values.
– Musa Tanimu Nasidi writes from Lokoja.
