Lokoja APC Stakeholders Disown ‘No-Confidence’ Briefing Against Karimi
Concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lokoja Local Government Area have distanced themselves from a recent press conference by the party’s LGA executive which criticised the senator representing Kogi West, Sunday Steve Karimi, describing the action as coerced and unreflective of the true position of party members at the grassroots.
In a statement issued on Thursday, by Hon. Danladi Tuguwa Nalado, Chairman, and Hon. Mojilade Ibiniwa Ajomoh, Secretary, on behalf of Lokoja APC Concerned Stakeholders., the stakeholders alleged that the press briefing, similar to others reported in parts of the district, was imposed on the Lokoja APC leadership by a few aggrieved individuals pursuing personal political interests.
According to them, some members of the LGA executive privately admitted that the so-called vote of no confidence does not represent the collective stance of either the executives or the wider APC membership in Lokoja.
The group called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take note of what it described as attempts to undermine loyal party supporters, warning against what they termed a growing desperation by certain political actors in Kogi West to gain popularity through divisive tactics.
They maintained that Senator Karimi remains widely accepted across the district, insisting that his performance and grassroots support justify continued backing for his leadership.
Highlighting his record, the stakeholders said the lawmaker has delivered impactful interventions in Lokoja, including relief support for flood victims and the reconstruction of the Lokoja Fish Market, which restored the livelihoods of traders and fishermen.
They also cited assistance to victims of the Kupa boat mishap, expanded scholarship opportunities for students, and the establishment of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in Lokoja to enhance access to digital examinations.
Other achievements attributed to the senator include facilitating employment opportunities and political appointments for indigenes, empowering women through grants and training programmes, provision of motorised boreholes, and support for religious institutions across the area.
The statement further noted that healthcare outreach programmes and youth skill acquisition initiatives facilitated by the senator have contributed to improved welfare in the local government.
Describing his interventions as unprecedented, the stakeholders said they cut across religious, ethnic, and political lines without discrimination.
They urged APC members in Lokoja to disregard the earlier press conference and remain united in support of the party and its elected representatives.
“Senator Karimi’s record of service speaks for itself, and we stand firmly in support of his continued leadership for Kogi West,” the statement added.
