KOGI WEST NEEDS PEACE: WHY KARIMI AND ABEJIDE MUST STAND TOGETHER
By Temiloluwa Samuel
In the politics of Kogi West, few names command as much respect as Senator Sunday Karimi and Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide. One speaks for the zone in the Red Chamber. The other represents Yagba Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber. Different chambers, different mandates — but one people, one senatorial district, and one shared destiny.
Yet in recent months, whispers of rivalry, social media jabs, and political scheming have tried to create a rift where none should exist. The truth is this: Kogi West needs peace between Karimi and Abejide more than it needs any other political drama.
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Senator Karimi is the face of Kogi West at the Senate. Calm, methodical, and grounded in legislative experience, he has positioned himself as a bridge-builder. Since assuming office, his focus has been on attracting federal presence, bills, and interventions to the zone.
Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, on the other hand, has become a household name for constituency projects and grassroots engagement. As a ranking member in the House of Representatives, he has delivered roads, schools, health centers, and empowerment programs across Yagba and beyond. His style is direct, accessible, and deeply rooted in the people.
Different styles, yes. But the goal is the same: development for Kogi West.
When both men succeed, the entire zone succeeds. When they are set against each other, the zone loses.
1. Development: Federal projects don’t come to divided zones. Abuja listens more to a united front. With the 2027 elections approaching and budget cycles running, Kogi West needs Karimi and Abejide lobbying together for roads, water, power, and federal appointments.
2. Security: From Kabba to Yagba to Ijumu to Bunu security challenges require coordinated political will. A divided leadership sends the wrong signal to both government and the people.
3. Youth and Unity: Our young people are watching. If their leaders are fighting, they will fight. If their leaders unite, they will unite. Politics should not be about tearing down; it should be about lifting up.
4. Legacy: Both men are still building their legacies. History will not remember who posted the most on Facebook. It will remember who brought development, and who kept the zone peaceful.
Let’s be honest: Karimi and Abejide have not been throwing stones at each other publicly. The tension is mostly coming from aides, supporters, and social media influencers who believe their loyalty is measured by how much they attack “the other side.”
That must stop.
Elders, traditional rulers, party leaders, and community stakeholders in Kogi West have a duty to intervene. Peace meetings should be held. Canvassers should be cautioned. The narrative must change from “my leader vs your leader” to “our leaders for our people.”
Peace does not mean they must agree on everything. It means:
1. Mutual respect in public and private
2. Joint appearances at key zonal events
3. Collaboration on projects that cut across constituencies
4. A united voice when engaging the federal government on Kogi West matters
Imagine Senator Karimi and Hon. Abejide jointly commissioning a project, or jointly meeting with the President on Kogi West issues. That image alone will do more for the zone than a thousand press releases.
Senator Sunday Karimi and Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide are not enemies. They are two sons of Kogi West who have been blessed with platforms to serve.
This is not the time for ego. This is not the time for division. This is the time for statesmanship.
To the leaders: your people need you to talk, to meet, and to work together.
To the followers: your job is to promote peace, not to tear your leaders apart.
Because at the end of the day, when the politics is over, we will still be brothers and sisters from Kogi West. And we will be judged by whether we chose peace or chose division.
Let peace reign. Let Kogi West win.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 6TH AUGUST, 2026)
