Karimi kicks as court nullifies Kogi West APC primary

Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Karimi, has rejected the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, annulling his candidacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Kogi West primary election.

The presiding judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim, in his ruling on Wednesday, invalidated the party ticket held by Senator Karimi and upheld the prayers of the plaintiff, Samuel Bamidele.

Reacting to the judgement, Senator Karimi declared that he remains undeterred as the candidate of the party for Kogi West Senatorial District in the 2027 general election.

Bamidele, popularly known as Sam Aro, had filed a suit challenging the emergence of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi as the party’s candidate in the primary election conducted on May 18, 2026.

Senator Karimi said he remained unperturbed by the judgment, describing it as unfortunate and contrary to the evidence before the court.

“It is crystal clear that the judgment is contrary to the evidence before the Court and it is unfortunate that the trial judge overruled himself, having ruled in not less than three similar cases on the issue of statute of limitation in pre-election proceedings as well as proper authority to conduct and determine winner of political party primary elections,” Karimi said.

He maintained that the plaintiff, Samuel Bamidele Aro, did not participate in the said primary election, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judicial system, even as he assured his supporters that the legal battle would not distract him from the campaign ahead.

The senator added that the Nigerian legal system admits redress through the appellate system, stressing that he would pursue his rights within the law due to his firm belief in the resilience of the judicial system.

He alleged that the judgment was the handiwork of some persons in the state who had been desperate and consistent in persecuting him to protect their hold on the resources of Kogi State, which he had voiced loudly against.

Bamidele however commended the judiciary for its commitment to the rule of law, due process, and the peaceful resolution of disputes through democratic institutions.