The leadership of the Kogi West for Tinubu and Karimi Re-election Project (KW-TAKREP) has described Senator Sunday Karimi’s victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary as a decisive rejection of political oppression and a triumph of the people’s collective will.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Kogi-based cleric and political activist, Stanley Ajileye, said the outcome of the primary election demonstrated the power of unity and grassroots mobilisation in the face of what he described as attempts to suppress the democratic aspirations of the people.
In a statement titled “Vox Populi, Vox Dei: The Voice of the People is the Voice of God,” Ajileye said the primary election was more than a contest for a party ticket, describing it as a defining moment in the political history of Kogi West.
According to him, the victory sends a strong message that political power ultimately belongs to the people and not to a handful of influential interests seeking to impose their will on the electorate.
“The victory of Senator Karimi is not merely a personal triumph. It is a victory for the people of Kogi West, a victory for democracy, and a clear demonstration that unity, courage and determination can overcome even the most entrenched political challenges,” he said.
Ajileye argued that the outcome reflected the determination of party members and grassroots supporters to defend their right to freely choose their representatives despite what he termed intense political pressure.
Without naming specific individuals or groups, he said the election showed that efforts to undermine the wishes of the people would ultimately fail when citizens remain united around a common objective.
He commended APC members across Kogi West for what he described as their steadfastness throughout the primary process and praised party officials for conducting an exercise that reflected the wishes of delegates and party stakeholders.
“The people have spoken with one voice. What happened in the primary election was a reaffirmation that democracy remains strongest when the people’s mandate is respected,” he stated.
Ajileye, however, cautioned supporters against complacency, noting that the primary election represented only the first stage of a broader political journey.
He urged party faithful, youths, women and community leaders to sustain the unity that produced the victory and remain committed to protecting the party’s mandate ahead of future electoral contests.
“The task before us now is to remain united and vigilant. We must defend our mandate, protect our votes and ensure that the will of the people prevails in the general election,” he said.
The cleric also expressed appreciation to supporters, volunteers and political stakeholders who worked for the success of the primary election, describing them as the backbone of the movement.
He expressed confidence that the solidarity demonstrated during the primary would translate into even greater electoral success in future contests.
“Our unity is our greatest strength. Together, we have spoken with one voice. Together, we shall defend that voice and, by the grace of God, secure victory once again for Kogi West, the APC and Nigeria,” the statement added.
The APC primary victory is expected to strengthen Karimi’s position within Kogi West politics and further shape political alignments in the district as preparations gradually intensify for future electoral contests.