By joshua 
Unjustified Attack on Senator Karimi by Lokoja LGA APC Stakeholders
By Rotimi Phillip .O.
On the morning of Thursday, April 23, 2026, the residents of Lokoja Local Government Area and the Kogi West Senatorial District were met with the disconcerting news of a vote of no-confidence against Senator Sunday Steve Karimi. This decision, purportedly made by the Local Government APC Executive, accused the Senator of fostering division and polarization within the APC in the Kogi West Senatorial District. This action comes despite the ongoing efforts by stakeholders to maintain party discipline and respect the zoning arrangement, as noted by Kassim.
The resolution cited four primary reasons: the Senator’s failure to acknowledge and collaborate with the party leadership that facilitated his rise to power, his inability to promote unity and responsible representation, a lack of commitment to fulfilling campaign promises made to Kogi West constituents, and non-adherence to the core values of party leadership and democracy.
“In light of this, we wish to express clearly to Senator Sunday Steve Karimi that Lokoja Local Government has lost confidence in him and does not support his aspirations or continuation in office beyond 2027,” Kassim stated.
In a swift response, concerned stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lokoja Local Government Area have dissociated themselves from the recent press conference held by the Party’s LGA Executive against Senator Sunday Steve Karimi. They described the action as coerced by a small group of mischief-makers and not reflective of the true stance of the party at the grassroots level.In a statement issued today, the stakeholders said credible information shows that the press briefing like masterminded in other places, was forcefully imposed on the Lokoja LGA APC Executives against their wish by a few disgruntled members who compelled them to stage it for personal and political motives.
“The so-called vote of no-confidence press conference according to some executive members does not represent the position of the APC Lokoja LGA Executives or the generality of our members”.
” The time for President Tinubu to step into attempt to destroy people supporting him genuinely is now. There is a desperation in Kogi West by power’s that be to score cheap political popularity. Enough is Enough. Sen. Karimi has come to equity with clean hands. Let him be. His second term is sacrosanct, going by his work, popularity and the peoples yearning and aspirations. What is wrong if his sins are all because he at one time spoke the minds of the people”.
“This is the handiwork of mischief makers attempting to create division within our party and undermine a performing representative Senator,” the statement read.
The stakeholders affirmed that Sen. Karimi remains the most qualified and effective representative for Kogi West, with unprecedented interventions across Lokoja LGA that have directly impacted the lives of residents.
They emphasized that the Senator holds the people of Lokoja in high esteem through constant interaction and engagement, regularly consulting with constituents on matters affecting the area.
The noted that verified accomplishments in Lokoja LGA by Sen. Karimi includes:
Flood Relief and Fish Market Reconstruction: Provided immediate relief materials and financial assistance to flood victims in Lokoja, and facilitated the complete rebuilding of the Lokoja Fish Market to restore the livelihoods of hundreds of traders and fishermen.
-Boat Mishap Victims Support: Extended urgent relief and financial assistance to victims and families affected by the boat mishap in Kupa, Lokoja, helping them recover from the tragic incident.
-Education and Scholarships: In the last two years, students from Lokoja have enjoyed the highest number of scholarship slots from the Senator, covering tuition and learning materials across tertiary institutions. He also recently attracted and established a Computer-Based Test (CBT) examination centre at Moslem Community Secondary School, Lokoja, expanding opportunities for students to sit for digital examinations locally.
– Employment and Political Appointments: Facilitated several employment opportunities for Lokoja indigenes into federal establishments, alongside securing key political appointments for sons and daughters of the area at both state and federal levels.
– Women Empowerment: Women cooperatives in Lokoja have received interventions and support like never before, including financial grants, equipment, and training to boost small-scale businesses and economic independence.
– Water Infrastructure: Sunk multiple motorized boreholes across Lokoja communities to improve access to clean and safe drinking water.
– Healthcare and Youth Empowerment: Initiated skill acquisition programs for Lokoja indigenes and attracted medical outreach programs with equipment donations to health facilities in the LGA.
Stakeholders have characterized Senator Karimi’s initiatives in Lokoja as unparalleled in both scope and impact, emphasizing that his support transcends religious, ethnic, and political boundaries without bias.
“We urge all committed APC members in Lokoja LGA to dismiss the coerced statement and remain unified in support of our party and its elected officials. Senator Karimi’s exemplary service record speaks volumes, and we steadfastly endorse his ongoing leadership for Kogi West,” the statement concluded.
Political analysts and opinion leaders within the Senatorial district consistently recognize Senator Sunday Karimi as a discreet achiever, credited with numerous accomplishments.