APC Defends Samuel Aro’s Victory After Kogi West Senatorial Primary

State executive members and local government area chairpersons of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District have defended the victory of Hon. Samuel Aro in the party’s senatorial primary election held on 18th May, 2026.

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In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the party stakeholders, they commended the conduct of the election, describing it as peaceful, transparent and consistent with the APC’s internal democratic processes across all wards in the district.

The statement was signed by several APC state executive members and LGA party chairpersons in Kogi West Senatorial District, including Aliyu Suleiman, deputy state chairman; Emmanuel Ayo, zonal chairman, Kogi West; Kashim Idris, APC chairman, Lokoja LGA; Jimoh Kobere, APC chairman, Kabba/Bunu LGA; Mohammed Abubakar, APC chairman, Kogi LGA; Dele Olorunfemi, State assistant secretary; Ibrahim Sherrif, state treasurer; Sede Jonathan, state assistant secretary; Adeyeye Florence, Zonal Women Leader; Buhari Lokoja, state youth leader and Adeyemo Olajide, APC chairman, Mopa/Amuro LGA.

According to them, the exercise was properly supervised by recognised party organs at the national, state, local government and ward levels, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants.

They stated that Hon. Samuel Aro emerged victorious after securing the majority of valid votes cast by duly accredited party members, and that the outcome reflected the wishes of the party’s grassroots members.

The stakeholders further revealed that, before the primary election, party leaders in Kogi West had raised concerns about the candidacy of Senator Sunday Karimi, a position they said was formally communicated to the APC national leadership.

They urged the party’s national leadership to officially recognise and declare Aro as the APC candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District election, warning against any attempt to alter the primary outcome.

The group also accused unnamed political actors of trying to undermine the result, describing such efforts as attempts to subvert the will of party members who participated in the exercise despite challenging circumstances.

They reiterated that APC stakeholders in Kogi West had rejected Senator Karimi, alleging that he lacked sufficient grassroots support and political legitimacy within the district.

The stakeholders cautioned that any move to impose a different candidate could create divisions within the party ahead of the general elections.

They reaffirmed their commitment to party unity and electoral success, calling on members to rally behind Aro, whom they described as the popular choice of party members in the senatorial district.