Senatorial Aspirant Sues APC, INEC, and Karimi Over Kogi West Primary Election

A legal challenge has emerged over the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election for the Kogi West Senatorial District, with aspirant Samuel Aro filing a lawsuit against the party, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the declared winner, Senator Sunday Karimi.

The suit, filed at the Federal High Court in Lokoja, questions the validity of Senator Karimi's nomination. Aro asserts that he emerged as the winner of the May 18 primary election and contends that the APC's submission of Karimi's name to INEC on July 11 is null and void. He is seeking a court declaration recognizing him as the lawful APC candidate for the 2027 general election, arguing he has not withdrawn his candidacy.

Senator Karimi was officially declared the winner of the primary, reportedly securing 51,665 votes. However, Aro denies reports that he withdrew from the race prior to the election. The primary was reportedly held with the endorsement of Governor Usman Ododo, who backed Senator Karimi as a consensus candidate. Despite Aro's claims and the ongoing dispute, the APC National Working Committee, following a report from the Election Appeal Committee, affirmed Karimi as the duly returned candidate and submitted his name to INEC.