Kogi West APC Dispute: Aro and Karimi Claim Ticket

In Kogi State, a significant dispute has emerged within the APC regarding the senatorial ticket for Kogi West. Former Kogi State House of Assembly Speaker Umar Ahm Imam addressed a press conference in Lokoja, asserting that any attempt to substitute Hon Sam Aro's name would jeopardize the party's integrity.

The statement included input from Barr Alfr Bello, the zonal APC chairman, and Hon Emmanuel Ayo, the state youth leader. The elder forum, represented by Air Commodore Hafiz Kparek, contended that Sundai Steve Karimi's claim of winning the primary with 50,000 votes was false.

They insisted that the results affirm Aro as the legitimate candidate. The group urged Kogi West stakeholders to unite behind President Bola Tinubu and support Karimi as the party's candidate for the January 2027 elections.

They also emphasized that any substitution of candidates must adhere to electoral laws and party constitution, highlighting that Aro has neither withdrawn his candidacy nor formally notified INEC of any such action.