Hon Fidelis O. Bello statement on the APC Kogi West Senatorial Primary Election
On the issue surrounding the senatorial primary election that produced Senator Steve Sunday Karimi as the APC candidate for Kogi West Senatorial District, I see no reason why this should still be a subject of controversy.
Before the primary election, all stakeholders across Kogi West were invited to a harmonization meeting under the leadership of the former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, in Lokoja. At that meeting, various interests were carefully considered and harmonized. The outcome of that meeting was subsequently communicated to stakeholders in Kogi West on the 17th of May, following the meeting held on the 16th of May. Thereafter, the primary election was conducted on the 18th of May, where Senator Steve Sunday Karimi emerged victorious through a keenly contested process.
At this stage, therefore, the renewed controversy is unnecessary and completely uncalled for.
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What makes the situation even more disturbing is the press statement, credited to Honorable Alfred Bello. His remarks are unfortunate and deserve condemnation. It is particularly disappointing that he would attempt to issue what appears to be a political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on future elections in Kogi State. Such comments cannot be taken as representing the views of the people of Kabba, Owe, Kogi West, or Kogi State at large.
He is entitled to his personal opinion, but he should not present it as the collective position of our people. At best, he is speaking for himself, not for the entire Kabba/Bunu Local Government, not for Owe, not for Kogi West, and certainly not for Kogi State.
It is also important to remind everyone that Honorable Alfred Bello participated in the same harmonization process and publicly expressed support for its outcome. One is therefore compelled to ask: what has changed? Why the sudden contradiction and double standard?
Equally unacceptable is the attempt to drag our illustrious son, Hon James Abiodun Faleke, into this matter. On what basis is he being accused of causing problems in Kogi? Did Honorable James Abiodun Faleke conduct the primary election? Was the election even held under his authority? Was it not the delegates and stakeholders of Kogi West who participated in the process and produced Senator Steve Karimi as the winner?
It is unfair and unjustifiable to malign a son of our land who has consistently represented our people with distinction and has continued to contribute positively to the development of our community.
Let it therefore be clearly stated that Honorable Alfred Bello position is entirely his personal opinion. He does not speak for the Owe people, he does not speak for Kabba/Bunu Local Government, he does not speak for Kogi West Senatorial District, and he certainly does not speak for the people of Kogi State.
Finally, I wish to appeal to our respected leaders to bring this matter to a permanent conclusion. The issues were resolved through consultation, the primary election has been conducted, and Senator Steve Sunday Karimi has emerged as the duly elected APC candidate.
Now is the time for unity, not division. Let us put aside every disagreement and work together to ensure the victory of the APC at all levels. That is the true spirit of party unity, collective responsibility, and progressive politics.
Thank you, and may God bless Kogi State, the APC, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 6TH 2026)
