Questions Emerge Over Kogi West APC Primary as Zonal Chairman’s Earlier Congratulatory Message Resurfaces
Fresh controversy has continued to trail the outcome of the Kogi West All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial Primary Election held on May 18, 2026, following renewed debates over the authenticity of claims surrounding the exercise.
The development has generated widespread reactions among party faithful, stakeholders, and political observers, with many expressing concerns over what they described as conflicting narratives emerging after the primary election.
At the centre of the controversy is an official congratulatory message reportedly issued on May 19, 2026, by the APC Zonal Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Ayo, congratulating Senator Sunday Karimi over his emergence from the primary election.
The message, which was widely circulated across various social media platforms shortly after the exercise, was viewed by many party supporters as an official acknowledgment of the outcome of the election conducted on May 18.
Political observers have, however, questioned the sudden shift in position by some party interests allegedly seeking to promote a contrary narrative despite the earlier public congratulatory statement from the party leadership structure.
Adding to the controversy are reports that another aspirant currently being projected by certain interests had allegedly announced his withdrawal from the senatorial contest a day before the primary election was conducted.
The reported withdrawal, which was already in the public domain before delegates and party officials proceeded with the exercise, has further raised questions among stakeholders over the basis of the ongoing post-primary dispute.
Many party members and observers have continued to ask how an aspirant said to have withdrawn from the race before the election could later become the focus of a fresh controversy after the exercise had reportedly been concluded and publicly acknowledged by party officials.
Stakeholders have stressed the need for transparency, consistency, and adherence to due process in the handling of party affairs, noting that democratic processes must not be subjected to conflicting interpretations capable of undermining public confidence.
They also pointed to the existence of materials already circulating in the public domain, including videos, photographs, official communications, eyewitness accounts, and statements issued immediately after the primary election, which they argued remain part of the documented history of the exercise.
According to concerned party members, any attempt to alter already established records could create unnecessary tension within the party and weaken the confidence of supporters who expect fairness and credibility from the leadership.
The stakeholders have therefore called on all stakeholders to prioritise peace, unity, and the overall interest of the party by respecting the integrity of the process and allowing due process to prevail.
They maintained that at a critical political moment such as this, the stability of the democratic process and the unity of the party should take precedence over personal ambitions and political pressure.
