By Mary Emeka
Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC) has cautioned Senator Sunday Karimi against alleged actions capable of undermining the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State ahead of 2027 general elections.
The group, in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, criticised the senator over his reported claim that each local government area in the state receives an average of ₦500 million monthly from the Federation Account.
It argued that such claims could create unnecessary tension between residents and their elected local government chairmen, who it said were working with the state government and security agencies to address insecurity.
“Security is expensive, and protecting lives and property requires substantial financial commitment. The Local Government Chairmen are working alongside the State Government and security agencies to make our communities safer,” the statement said.
KWYC urged political leaders to support ongoing security efforts rather than make statements it believes could erode public confidence in elected representatives.
The group also faulted Karimi’s reported declaration at a function in Kabba that the next governorship of Kogi State should go to Kogi West, describing the position as premature while Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is still serving his first term.
It maintained that political ambition should be pursued with discipline and respect for the party’s established processes, warning against actions that could create divisions within the APC.
The youth group further questioned the senator’s alleged political activities outside his immediate constituency, including reported scholarship interventions for students in Kogi East and efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the district.
While acknowledging that scholarship support for students outside one’s constituency could be commendable, KWYC alleged that some of Karimi’s supporters were backing opposition candidates in House of Representatives and Kogi State House of Assembly elections in Kogi West.
“It is politically self-defeating for anyone to weaken the very platform on which he stands for election. The APC is built on collective effort, shared responsibility and loyalty,” the statement added.
The group warned that the alleged activities, if established, could damage the senator’s political interests and weaken the APC’s grassroots structures in Kogi West.
KWYC, however, expressed support for the local government chairmen, commending their efforts to tackle insecurity and calling for stronger collaboration among the state government, councils, security agencies and community leaders.
It stressed that addressing insecurity required adequate resources, intelligence gathering, operational coordination and public support, urging political leaders to avoid actions that could undermine the collective effort.
The group also advised Karimi to exercise restraint in his public comments and use established party structures to resolve disagreements.
Reaffirming its support for Governor Ododo’s security initiatives, KWYC called on APC leaders to prioritise party unity, public safety and the welfare of residents.
“We will not allow anyone to destroy the unity of our party in Kogi State. Kogi West deserves responsible leadership, our communities deserve security, and the APC deserves the loyalty and commitment of all those elected on its platform,” the group declared.
