_…Aro calls for unity, says no victor, no vanquished; Karimi insists he remains candidate, alleges Aro did not participate in primary_
By Danjuma Amodu
The judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Kogi West Senatorial District has drawn sharply contrasting reactions from the two contenders, Hon. Sam Aro and Senator Sunday Steve Karimi.
While Aro welcomed the judgment and called for unity and reconciliation, Karimi rejected it and vowed to challenge it on appeal, insisting he remains the party’s candidate for the 2027 election.
In a press statement issued today, Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Aro said he received the judgment with gratitude to God, humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
He commended the judiciary for its commitment to the rule of law, due process and the peaceful resolution of disputes through democratic institutions, noting that the judgment underscored the importance of allowing the law to take its course even in moments of political disagreement.
“For me, this is not a moment of triumph over anyone. It is a moment for reconciliation, reflection, and renewed unity. There is no victor and no vanquished,” Aro said.
He extended a sincere hand of friendship and brotherhood to Senator Sunday Karimi, whose contributions to the political development of Kogi West he described as worthy of recognition and respect.
Aro said their differences were never personal, adding that he harboured no ill feelings towards Karimi, and stressed that despite being on opposing sides of a political contest, they remained brothers united by shared heritage and common responsibility to the people of Kogi West.
He also extended warm regards to Karimi’s supporters across the senatorial district, acknowledging their loyalty, commitment and passion, which he said the party and the people must continue to value.
Aro assured that the mandate was not his alone, but belonged to every member of the party and ultimately to the people of Kogi West, irrespective of political affiliation, personal preference or past disagreements.
He appealed to his supporters to celebrate with moderation, dignity and respect for the feelings of others, warning that no one should use the judgment as an excuse to ridicule, provoke or disparage Karimi or his supporters.
“There must be no room for bitterness, triumphalism, recrimination, or political exclusion,” he said.
Aro said the time had come to put differences behind them and redirect collective energies towards building a stronger, more united and more prosperous Kogi West.
He pledged to reach out personally to party leaders, stakeholders, elders, women, youths and supporters across all seven Local Government Areas of the senatorial district, adding that no community would be considered too small and no stakeholder too insignificant to be embraced.
According to him, his campaign will be anchored on unity, inclusion, mutual respect and a clear commitment to the development of Kogi West, with focus on addressing the aspirations of the people, expanding opportunities, strengthening representation and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach communities.
Aro also called on all APC leaders and members to close ranks and work in harmony towards securing victory for the party in the 2027 general elections.
“The task before us is greater than any individual ambition. Our unity must be stronger than our differences, and our commitment to Kogi West must transcend every political contest,” he said.
However, in a separate statement also issued today, Karimi rejected the judgment in the suit filed by Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro challenging his candidacy as the APC flag bearer.
Karimi said the judgment ran contrary to the evidence before the court.
He said it was unfortunate that the trial judge departed from his own previous rulings, having decided at least three similar cases on the statute of limitations in pre-election proceedings and the proper authority to conduct party primaries and determine their winners.
“Fortunately, our legal system provides a right of appeal. The people of Kogi West, the entire state, and even Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro know that he did not participate in the primary election, yet submitted fabricated documents to support a false claim,” Karimi said.
He said his legal team will pursue redress through the Nigerian legal system, expressing confidence in the resilience of the judiciary.
Karimi described the development as the handiwork of the state’s rulers, whom he accused of being desperate and relentless in their efforts to persecute him and protect their grip on Kogi State’s resources, an issue he said he has consistently spoken out against.
“I remain strong and undeterred, and my campaign continues with renewed zeal and vigour. My detractors do not love our party or Mr. President. I remain Mr. President’s number-one supporter in Kogi State,” he said.
He urged his supporters to stay strong as they pursue redress in court, describing the judgment as part of the process they must go through to reach their destination.
“Let us remain steadfast in our quest for good governance,” Karimi added.
The contrasting positions set the stage for a legal battle at the appellate court as both camps press ahead with claims to the APC ticket for Kogi West ahead of the 2027 general elections.
