An ill wind is currently blowing through the political landscape of Kogi West Senatorial District, threatening to uproot the stability of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) if reason is not urgently restored. Despite repeated warnings from seasoned political observers, a faction within the state apparatus appears determined to pursue an ill-fated crusade against Senator Sunday Steve Karimi—resembling the proverbial dog destined to be lost that turns a deaf ear to the hunter’s whistle.
How else can one explain the persistent, high-handed hammer falling upon APC executives at the Ward and Local Government levels? In local council areas like Kabba/Bunu and Lokoja, party chieftains have faced severe sanctions, suspensions, and votes of no confidence simply for coming together to support Senator Karimi and rally grassroots mobilization for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term agenda.
This heavy-handedness is not only nauseating, but it is also an exercise in political self-sabotage. The insistence on subverting the popular will in Kogi West is deeply disturbing, and it raises a critical question for Lugard House: Does Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo realize the dangerous fallout this internal warfare could have on his own second-term aspirations?
The political dynamics of Nigeria have evolved rapidly. As witnessed in electoral turning points like the Osun State elections, votes count, leaving little to no room for arbitrary manipulation. Those feeding the Governor narratives that “all is well” while orchestrated witch-hunts continue against party leaders are nothing more than “frienemies” driving the administration toward a precipice.
Curiously, the aggressive campaign against Senator Karimi has produced an unintended result. Rather than diminishing his standing, it has catalyzed an unprecedented reservoir of organic goodwill for the lawmaker across the district’s seven local governments. From extensive infrastructure interventions, educational bursaries, and security support to his bold grassroots mobilization for the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, evidence of Karimi’s strong backing among constituents remains overwhelming.
If the APC in Kogi State intends to avoid shooting itself in the foot in upcoming election cycles, its leadership must immediately rein in the overzealous elements within its ranks. Power struggles that attempt to control what is organically rooted in the people inevitably lead to “stories that touch the heart.” Peace, stability, and electoral victory grow only when political actors stop fighting what they cannot control. A word, as always, is enough for the wise.
– Ponle Adeniyi
ponleadeniyi457@gmail.com
