Senator Karimi Secures APC Reelection Ticket Amidst Shifting Political Landscape

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi has secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for reelection in Nigeria's Kogi West Senatorial Zone. The primary election, held in May, saw Karimi face little serious challenge, with his victory widely anticipated. He is now set to contest in the January 2027 general elections.

Karimi's political journey includes two terms in the House of Representatives, representing the Yagba federal constituency from 2011 to 2019. His subsequent election to the Senate in 2023 was based on a strong track record and his continued connection with his constituents. This widespread support across the seven local government areas of Kogi West made his primary win almost a certainty.

A key moment in the lead-up to the primary was the withdrawal of Smart Afolabi Adeyemi, a more prominent figure who had served three terms in the Senate between 2007 and 2015, and again from 2019 to 2023. Adeyemi, who hails from the same local government area (Ijumu) as the previous senator, Dino Melaye, stepped down honorably. He acknowledged the principle of equitable representation, recognizing that Ijumu had held the Senate seat for 16 consecutive years (2007-2023).

Adeyemi's decision paved the way for Karimi, who represents a federal constituency that had only produced a senator once before in the Fourth Republic. Samuel Bamidele Aro, another contender with a single term in the House of Representatives (2007-2011), was not considered a serious threat. Aro has a history of seeking elective office frequently, presenting himself as a "veteran" after four unsuccessful bids.