By joshua OPINION: DESPITE ALLEGED OPPOSITION FROM ODODO’S CAMP, KARIMI’S PERFORMANCE, OKUN SENTIMENT POSITION HIM TO WIN KOGI WEST IN 2027
By Àdébówálé Múyíwá, Constituent, Kogi West Senatorial District_
There are whispers that Governor Usman Ododo’s camp may not support Senator Sunday Karimi for a second term. If true, that plan will meet stiff resistance in Kogi West — and it will fail.
Senator Karimi is poised to win in 2027. The reasons are clear: performance, identity, and timing.
1. PERFORMANCE THAT SPEAKS LOUDER THAN POLITICS
Since entering the Senate, Senator Karimi has been visible and active in Kogi West. From constituency projects to motions that address real problems, he has built a reputation as a leader who shows up.
His record includes key infrastructure interventions, healthcare support, sustainable investments in education, and women empowerment programs. These are projects people can see and feel.
In politics, voters remember who delivered. Karimi’s track record has earned him goodwill that cannot be erased by party politics. The people have a reason to send him back.
2. A COMPARISON THAT WORKS AGAINST ANY ANTI-KARIMI MOVE
The perception in many quarters is that the Ododo administration has been slow in meeting expectations. Critical issues such as rural infrastructure, youth employment, and consistent engagement with constituents remain pain points.
When a governor is viewed as underperforming, the move to drop a performing senator is seen as punishing the people, not helping them. Kogi West voters will ask: _“Why remove the one who is working for us?”_ That single question weakens any attempt to work against Senator Karimi.
3. THE GROWING AGITATION FOR ‘OKUN TURN’
For years, the Okun people have maintained that it is their turn to produce the Governor of Kogi State. Whether 2027 is the right time or not, the conversation has given Senator Karimi sympathy and loyalty that cuts across party lines.
He is increasingly seen not just as a senator, but as a voice fighting for the dignity and relevance of Okunland. In 2027, that identity factor will matter more than any endorsement.
This is why it is important for the Governor to engage stakeholders across Okunland through open dialogue. Such engagement will foster unity and prevent actions that could inadvertently affect both Senator Karimi’s re-election and the Governor’s own bid.
4. GRASSROOTS LOVE THAT CAN’T BE MANUFACTURED
The support for Karimi in Kogi West is organic. It is no longer just political. Town halls, traditional rulers, women groups, and youth organizations all point to his accessibility and delivery.
Elections are won on the ground, not in press statements. And on the ground, Karimi has momentum.
CONCLUSION
If support is withheld, it will backfire. 2027 in Kogi West will be about results and representation. With his performance record, the Okun governorship agitation, and voter frustration over underperformance, Senator Karimi holds the advantage.
The people will reward performance. It is also the right time for Okun’s voice to be amplified. For these reasons, Senator Sunday Karimi will win his re-election to represent Kogi West in 2027.
Àdébówálé Múyíwá writes from Kogi West Senatorial District.