The Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA) has accused forces within the Kogi political establishment of attempting to enlist traditional rulers in Okunland in a campaign aimed at creating division within Kogi West ahead of the 2027 elections.
In a strongly worded statement titled, “Dignify Your Stools, Refuse to Be Used as Agents of Division,” the group urged traditional rulers across the six Okun-speaking local government areas to remain neutral and protect the integrity of their royal institutions.
MEKSTA specifically called on the monarchs to emulate the example of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who recently declined to endorse a political aspirant, insisting that traditional rulers must remain fathers to all and avoid partisan alignments.
The group alleged that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo had convened a meeting of Okun traditional rulers in Lokoja as part of efforts to influence political developments in Kogi West, particularly regarding the future of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi.
According to the organisation, information available to it suggests that some royal fathers may be encouraged to lend credibility to allegations against the senator in what it described as a coordinated attempt to weaken his political standing ahead of 2027.
MEKSTA claimed that the move forms part of a broader effort to disrupt the growing political consensus around Senator Karimi, whom it described as the preferred choice of the APC grassroots across Kogi West.
The group recalled that Samuel Bamidele Aro, who had been touted as a possible challenger to Karimi, formally withdrew from the APC senatorial race before the party primary and publicly endorsed the senator. It expressed surprise that controversies surrounding the contest have continued despite that development.
Beyond politics, MEKSTA lamented what it described as misplaced priorities at a time when insecurity remains one of the greatest challenges confronting communities in Kogi West.
The organisation noted that residents across several parts of the district continue to grapple with kidnappings, bandit attacks and violent crimes, arguing that government attention should be focused on restoring security and public confidence rather than fuelling political disagreements.
“At a time when families are living in fear and communities are battling insecurity, leaders should be promoting unity and hope, not deepening divisions among the people,” the statement said.
MEKSTA maintained that Senator Karimi’s popularity stems from what it called his accessibility, effective representation and commitment to addressing the needs of constituents.
According to the group, the senator’s overwhelming victory in the APC primary reflected the confidence reposed in him by party members across the district and should be respected by all stakeholders.
The organisation warned that any attempt to undermine the popular mandate of the senator could create avoidable tensions within the APC and weaken the party’s electoral prospects in Kogi West.
It therefore called on traditional rulers to resist political pressure, preserve the neutrality of their institutions and remain symbols of unity and stability in their respective communities.
The statement was jointly signed by prominent members of MEKSTA drawn from the various federal constituencies across Kogi State.