Fresh political intrigue is unfolding in Kogi West Senatorial District as allegations emerge of a calculated move aimed at weakening the ruling All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 elections.
Sources within the political circles in the state claim that the sudden interest of former House of Representatives member, Samuel Aro, in the Kogi West senatorial race may be tied to a broader strategy designed to fracture the ruling party’s support base in the district.
According to insiders familiar with the development, the alleged plan is to position Aro to secure the APC ticket during the party’s senatorial primaries. The objective, they claim, would be to trigger internal divisions within the party in a district that has traditionally been considered a stronghold of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Political observers say Kogi West remains one of the most politically significant districts in the state due to its large voting population and its historical support for the ruling party in national elections.
The district is currently represented in the Senate by Sunday Karimi, who has in recent months taken a strong stance on issues of governance and accountability within the state. Karimi has openly criticised alleged irregularities in the management of local government funds and has also championed calls for a power shift to Kogi West in 2027, citing decades of political marginalisation.
Some political actors believe these positions have unsettled certain influential figures within the state’s political establishment.
The alleged strategy surrounding Aro’s entry into the race has also been linked by some sources to businessman and political figure Tunde Ayeni, who has previously been associated with opposition political activities and fundraising.
Ayeni has in the past played prominent roles in political fundraising efforts and has also been linked to the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during previous election cycles.
Although no official confirmation has been made regarding any political alliance, analysts say the speculation reflects the growing political manoeuvring ahead of the next election cycle.
Aro himself is not new to the political landscape of Kogi State. In the 2019 governorship election, he served as the running mate to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Musa Wada.
His recent political movements, including appearances at events attended by Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello, have further fueled speculation about shifting alliances within the state’s political structure
However, supporters of Aro insist that his ambition to contest the senatorial seat is legitimate and should not be interpreted as part of any political conspiracy.
They argue that the contest for the Kogi West seat should remain open to all qualified aspirants within the party.
Observers say the unfolding developments underscore the early political calculations already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
With several influential figures reportedly positioning themselves for strategic roles in the coming political cycle, the battle for control of party structures and electoral tickets is expected to intensify across the state.
For many stakeholders, maintaining unity within the ruling party may prove critical in determining whether it retains its dominance in Kogi West or opens the door for opposition parties to gain a foothold in the district.
Alleged Plot Targets APC Unity in Kogi West Ahead of 2027 Senate Race
