By Prevail Inegbenose
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, Mohammed Ibrahim, has withdrawn his support for Senator Sunday Karimi following a Federal High Court judgment affirming Sunday Bamidele Aro as the party’s authentic candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District.
Ibrahim, who described himself as a former supporter and political ally of Karimi, said his decision followed the court ruling, which ended the legal dispute over the APC senatorial primary conducted in May.
In a statement issued on Friday, the APC chieftain said the interest of the party was greater than that of any individual, urging the senator to accept the judgment and rally behind Aro.
“I am one of his supporters, but it’s obvious the party’s interest is superior to that of any individual,” Ibrahim said.
He maintained that the court’s decision reflected the wishes of the people and the position of the party, stressing that personal loyalty should not override the collective interest of the APC.
The Federal High Court had affirmed Aro as the authentic winner of the APC Kogi West senatorial primary, bringing an end to the legal battle that followed Karimi’s attempt to transfer the case from the Lokoja Division of the court to its Abuja Division.
Ibrahim also dismissed suggestions that the APC could lose Kogi West without Karimi’s political support, insisting that the party could retain the district if its members remained united.
He urged Karimi and his supporters to put aside their differences and work towards the party’s success by supporting Aro, the court-recognised candidate.
The APC chieftain further cautioned against actions capable of undermining the party’s chances in the district, urging the Senator to shun anti-party activities and respect the court’s decision.
