REBUTTAL: SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON THE PURPORTED “VOTE OF NO CONFIDENCE”
The so-called press statement credited to some individuals within the APC in Kogi LGA is not only misleading but reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of democratic representation, party structure, and governance.
First, it is important to educate the public that a Senator, especially one representing an entire senatorial district like Kogi West, derives his mandate directly from the people—not from a local government executive committee. The authority of Senator Sunday Karimi comes from the ballot, not from a handful of party officials meeting in a room. Therefore, any “vote of no confidence” passed at the LGA level carries no constitutional or democratic weight.
Secondly, representation is not subservience. A legislator is elected to serve the interests of the people, not to operate as an extension of local political gatekeepers. The claim that a Senator must “constantly seek approval” from local party executives before engaging in constituency matters contradicts the principles of representative democracy.
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It is also necessary to point out that internal party disagreements are not synonymous with disloyalty. Healthy political systems allow for differing views and constructive engagement. Branding such independence as “insubordination” only exposes a tendency toward control rather than democratic inclusion.
Most importantly, performance should be the true yardstick of leadership—not politically motivated accusations. It is on record that one of the Senator’s biggest constituency interventions is located right within Kogi Local Government—the rehabilitation and remodeling of Government Science Secondary School, Koton-Karfe, a project valued at over ₦1.2 billion and already delivered.
Beyond this, the same Kogi LGA has also benefited significantly from the Senator’s people-oriented initiatives, including scholarship programs for students, women empowerment schemes, employment opportunities for youths, and the drilling of boreholes to improve access to clean water across communities. These are verifiable impacts that speak louder than any politically driven statement.
The people of Kogi West are in the best position to judge their representative, not a selective gathering with possible vested interests.
Finally, unity within a party is built on fairness, consultation, and respect—not coercion or public intimidation. Statements like this risk deepening division rather than strengthening the party ahead of future elections.
In conclusion, rather than issuing politically charged communiqués, party stakeholders should prioritize dialogue, inclusiveness, and the collective goal of delivering good governance to the people.
The mandate of the people remains supreme—and no amount of local political maneuvering can override that.
By a grateful heart member of Kogi West – Aliyu Yusuf – Koto
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, APRIL 23RD 2026)
