The attention of concerned stakeholders has been drawn to a speculative and orchestrated publication alleging a “plot to sabotage” the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West. While we respect the freedom of the press, it is imperative to dismantle the tissue of lies and sponsored fallacies aimed at smearing the reputation of Hon. Aro Samuel Bamidele.
As a veteran legislator and formidable aspirant for the Kogi West Senatorial seat, Hon. Aro’s record speaks for itself, contrary to the desperate narratives being peddled by his detractors.
The timing of this “uncovered plot” is as predictable as it is desperate, following the pattern where fabricated issues are recycled whenever Hon. Aro’s political profile rises. It is clear that those intimidated by his grassroots reach are attempting character assassination to tilt the scales of the 2027 primaries. The latest attempt to label a homecoming as a “Trojan Horse” mission is not only baseless but insults the intelligence of the Kogi West electorate, who have known Hon. Aro’s contributions for decades.
Regarding the “ghost of 2014,” the article weaponizes a decade old fuel subsidy investigation involving ASB Investment Limited. For clarity, these legal proceedings were thoroughly scrutinized by the courts and the EFCC years ago, resulting in Hon. Aro’s exoneration from all allegations. His subsequent clearance by INEC and security agencies to contest as a Deputy Governorship candidate in 2019 further proves that no legal impediment exists to his candidacy, maintaining that his business reputation remains untarnished.
The narrative portraying Hon. Aro as a “newcomer” to the political dominance of the incumbent is historically revisionist and ignores Kogi West’s electoral reality. In 2007, it was Samuel Bamidele Aro who defeated the sitting incumbent, demonstrating a mandate that resonates across party lines. Current political tension is not about “sabotage” but rather the incumbent’s anxiety over a potential rematch with a candidate who has proven he can decisively win the district.
While the sponsored article attempts to link Hon. Aro to opposition figures, it conveniently overlooks the political baggage and past associations of the incumbent. The incumbent is a known “steady associate” of the Omokore-Diezani era controversies and has faced scrutiny regarding his relationship with Chief Jide Omokore. It is hypocritical to label Hon. Aro a “Trojan Horse” for the same political journey the incumbent took, moving from the PDP to the APC to secure his position.
However, Hon. Aro’s recent activities in the district have centered around humanitarian solidarity and party unity rather than clandestine schemes. During a recent visit to his village to check on his elderly mother, he addressed pressing insecurity in the area and donated resources to support the community. He encouraged the people of Kogi West to remain steadfast in their faith in Governor Usman Ododo’s administration, reinforcing the state government’s efforts.
Far from sabotaging the APC, Hon. Aro is actively strengthening the party’s base by bringing back disenchanted members and fostering loyalty to the “Renewed Hope” agenda. His ability to mobilize support across the seven local government areas highlights his reliable exploits in the private sector and his long-standing commitment to the Okun-Yoruba people. The attempt to paint this strengthening of the party as “division” reflects the fears of those who are apprehensive about healthy internal competition.
Politics should be a contest of ideas and records, not a theater of blackmail or recycled petitions. Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro remains a solid, reliable, and bridge-building leader whose sole interest is the progress of Kogi West. Framing his candidacy as a plot only reveals the desperation of those who realize their political grip is slipping. We urge the national leadership of the APC to ignore these sponsored fallacies and allow the democratic process to flourish.
– Mary Adebayo
For: Aro Bamidele Samuel Vanguard (ABSV) Media Team
