By joshua 
Karimi Receives Rousing Welcome in Lokoja, Leads APC Stakeholders’ Push for Unity Ahead of Primaries
Senator Sunday Karimi received a rousing welcome in Lokoja on Sunday as he joined APC stakeholders from Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency for a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening party unity ahead of future elections.
The meeting, held at the GRA Lodge of the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, brought together party leaders, office holders, youth and women leaders, and grassroots mobilisers from within and outside Kogi State.
Speaking at the gathering, Karimi said his commitment to the people of Lokoja and Kogi LGAs remained unwavering. He cited the rehabilitation and remodelling of Government Science Secondary School, Koton Karfe, valued at N1.3 billion, as his first major project. He added that the construction of a CBT centre at Moslem Community Secondary School, Lokoja, had been included in the current budget, alongside a N50 million empowerment programme for Girinya and traders in Lokoja.
“My representation is about doing more for Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency. I hold the people of Kogi and Lokoja in high esteem,” he said.
The meeting also focused on healing internal rifts within the APC in Kogi West. Elder statesman Sulaiman Baba Ali said reconciliation had become necessary to ensure unity and progress, particularly in support of Karimi’s contributions.
“There is no Senator in Kogi West who has worked for the people the way Karimi has done,” Ali stated, urging members to support all APC candidates, including Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Bashir Gegu, described Karimi as “God-anointed” and said past disagreements were political, not personal. He announced that political structures loyal to former aspirant Sam Aro would be integrated into the mainstream APC to boost unity.
Former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Alfa Imam, called for full reconciliation and appealed to Baba Ali to lead a committee to sustain peace within the party. Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf said political competition should not be seen as personal rivalry and noted that future senatorial slots could rotate to Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency.
Responding, Karimi expressed satisfaction with the renewed spirit of unity and said it would strengthen the APC’s chances in future elections. He disclosed that constituency projects had already been executed in Kogi LGA, with Giriya set to benefit from N50 million in educational interventions. He also announced plans for water supply projects and borehole installations across Lokoja.
Karimi said political differences between former Governor Yahaya Bello, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and himself had been resolved, urging stakeholders to focus on strengthening the party.
“I want all of you to join hands with me so that I can serve better,” he appealed.
Observers say the meeting signals a new phase of reconciliation and consolidation within the APC in Kogi West as the party prepares for upcoming primaries.