Kogi West APC candidate rejects court ruling, vows appeal

The All Progressives Congress candidate for Kogi West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Sunday Karimi, has vowed to challenge a Federal High Court judgment against his candidacy, insisting that he remains the party’s flag bearer.

Karimi, who is the senator representing the senatorial district, was reacting to a judgment in a suit filed by Samuel Aro, who challenged his emergence as the APC Kogi West senatorial candidate, but was sacked by the court.

Reacting in a statement personally signed by him on Wednesday, Karimi said he was undeterred by the ruling.

He described the judgment as contrary to the evidence presented before the court, alleging that the trial judge departed from his previous rulings on similar pre-election matters.

He said, “It is clear that the judgment runs contrary to the evidence before the court. It is also unfortunate that the trial judge departed from his own previous rulings, having decided at least three similar cases on the statute of limitations in pre-election proceedings and the proper authority to conduct party primaries and determine their winners.”

Karimi said he would exercise his constitutional right of appeal, expressing confidence in the judicial process.

He further alleged that Aro did not participate in the party’s primary election but submitted fabricated documents to support his claim.

“The people of Kogi West, the entire state, and even Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro know that he did not participate in the primary election, yet submitted fabricated documents to support a false claim,” he said.

He also accused unnamed political leaders in the state of being behind the legal challenge, alleging that they were seeking to persecute him over his criticism of the management of Kogi State’s resources.

“I wish to state that this incident is the handiwork of the state’s rulers, who have been desperate and relentless in their efforts to persecute me and protect their grip on Kogi State’s resources—an issue I have spoken out against,” he added.

Despite the court judgment, the candidate said his campaign would continue, declaring his support for President Bola Tinubu.

He said, “I remain strong and undeterred, and my campaign continues with renewed zeal and vigour. My detractors do not love our party or Mr President. I remain Mr President’s number-one supporter in Kogi State.”

He urged his supporters to remain calm and steadfast while the legal process continued.

“I urge my supporters to stay strong as we pursue redress in court. This is part of what we must go through to reach our destination. Let us remain steadfast in our quest for good governance,” he said.