Abuja Court Judgment: Baba-Ali Urges Calm, Says Karimi’s Legal Battle Is Not Over
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State and the Gabi-Saiyadi of Lokoja, Alhaji Sulaiman Baba-Ali, has appealed to supporters of Senator Sunday Steve Karimi to remain calm, steadfast and committed to his political mandate following the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on the Kogi West Senatorial District APC primary election dispute.
Reacting to the judgment, Baba-Ali described politics as a contest of ideas, opinions and beliefs, and urged supporters of different tendencies within the APC to respect one another and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary tension within the party.
He reaffirmed his unwavering support for Senator Karimi, stressing that his position was based on his conviction that the senator represents the best option for Kogi West Senatorial District.
According to him, individuals have the democratic right to support candidates of their choice, adding that political disagreements should not degenerate into personal confrontations or divisions among party members.
“For those of us who are steadfastly behind Senator Karimi, it is because we believe in some of the ideas he represents, and we believe he is the best for Kogi West. I have absolutely no issues with those who believe in another candidate. It is their right to support whoever they want. It is politics, and politics is a contest of ideas,” he said.
The APC chieftain explained that the judgment of the Federal High Court should not be regarded as the final determination of the dispute, noting that the affected parties still have the right to approach the appellate court.
He maintained that the legal process was not yet concluded and disclosed that discussions would be held with Senator Karimi and his legal team on the next line of action, including pursuing an appeal.
Baba-Ali therefore cautioned supporters against premature celebrations or despondency, insisting that the legal battle would continue until the judicial process was exhausted.
“The fact that somebody wins at the High Court does not mean that it is the end of the matter. There are other stages of the judicial process, including the Court of Appeal and, where applicable, the Supreme Court. We have the right to appeal, and that is what we intend to pursue in consultation with Senator Karimi and his team of lawyers,” he stated.
He further urged supporters of the senator not to abandon their political activities but to intensify grassroots mobilisation and continue canvassing support across Kogi West.
According to him, the Karimi campaign should extend to every ward, polling unit, community and household to sustain the senator’s political support base ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Baba-Ali emphasised that Senator Karimi remains the APC candidate pending the conclusion of the judicial process and urged supporters to remain focused on the campaign.
He also called on APC members to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, saying the campaign for the President should go hand in hand with efforts to secure victory for Senator Karimi in Kogi West.
The APC chieftain particularly appealed for unity among party members, stressing that the disagreement over the senatorial ticket should not be allowed to destroy relationships among members of the same political family.
“All of us are still in the same APC, so there should be no fight or quarrel. It is just a disagreement among brothers. We are one party, and we will remain one party. Whoever eventually emerges as the party’s candidate will be the party’s candidate,” he stated.
He, however, expressed confidence that Senator Karimi would eventually prevail in the legal battle, urging his supporters to maintain faith in the process and continue working for his political success.
Baba-Ali concluded by wishing supporters well and calling for peaceful political engagement, mutual respect and sustained commitment to the APC’s electoral fortunes in Kogi State and across the country.
