By Yinka Adaranijo
Allegations that state-level handlers are obstructing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election campaign in Kogi have deepened concern within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), even as a movement led by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi emerges as the most visible pro-Tinubu mobilisation in the state.
The Win With Tinubu/Shettima (WWTS) campaign, driven jointly by Senator Karimi (Kogi West) and Senator Isah Jibrin (Echocho) (Kogi East), reaches six federal constituencies and 16 local government areas across the two senatorial districts.
The claims of obstruction remain allegations. WWTS itself has said that “nobody should be accused of sabotage without evidence.”
WHAT IS ALLEGED
The Governor’s second-term campaign is said to be proceeding without hindrance, although the off-cycle governorship election is not due until the last quarter of 2027. Pro-Tinubu activities not organised by the state leadership, however, have reportedly met resistance.
Party officials, elected members and appointees are said to have been barred from attending such gatherings, with suspension or removal from office as the alleged penalties. Party members say this raises doubts about the sincerity of the state authorities’ public endorsement of the President.
The tension has been traced to the aftermath of the May senatorial primaries. The state party leadership did not back either sitting Senator. Senator Karimi emerged from the contested process with the party’s ticket, while Senator Echocho lost his to Joseph Erico.
THE TOWN HALLS
Senator Karimi’s town halls began in the Yagba Federal Constituency on 2 August, and continued in Kabba on 13 August and in Lokoja on 23 August. They were designed to render an account of his stewardship, present his interventions to constituents, highlight the achievements of the Tinubu administration and mobilise support for the President’s re-election.
In Kogi East, the meetings, themed “Unity for Sustainable Development in Kogi East Senatorial District,” brought together political leaders, community stakeholders, party members, youth and women groups, traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the Idah, Ankpa and Dekina/Bassa federal constituencies.
Some APC executives who attended were reportedly suspended afterwards, including the Lokoja Local Government Area Youth Leader, Talba Lakwaja, six local government executive members and three ward chairmen. In Lokoja Ward C, stakeholders rejected the suspension of their chairman, Yusuf Bala Namama, and passed a vote of confidence in him.
THE ANYIGBA FINALE
The latest incident was reported on Thursday in Anyigba, at the grand finale of three Kogi East town halls, the earlier two having been held in Ankpa and Idah. Party sources said that the paramount ruler was restrained from receiving the organisers, and that Dekina local government authorities placed restrictions on movement on the day. The people of the Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency came out regardless.
“LET OUR ACTIONS PROVE IT”
In a statement titled “Tinubu’s Re-election: Contradictions in Kogi State,” the WWTS State Programme Secretary, Pastor Stanley Ajileye, asked the authorities to explain the reported restrictions.
“Are those who profess loyalty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu genuinely working for his re-election, or is political pretence undermining the project in Kogi State?” he asked.
The statement urged restraint and dialogue. “Loyalty is not established by repeated declarations. It is demonstrated through consistent action,” it said. Pastor Ajileye added: “If we are truly working for Tinubu, let our actions prove it.”
WHAT IS AT STAKE
Earlier this week, APC’s National Working Committee (NWC) directed candidates to submit polling agent names directly to the national secretariat, bypassing state chapters. The move came after intelligence suggested some APC governors were allegedly sponsoring candidates on opposition party platforms ahead of 2027 elections.
Party stakeholders warn that the consequences could be serious if the state handlers do not retrace their steps. Punishing members for supporting the President’s campaign, they say, risks discouraging the very grassroots workers on whom his vote in Kogi depends. It could demobilise party structures, deepen divisions within the APC and lower turnout on election day. In a state the party governs and expects to deliver, such a loss of momentum would weaken the President’s showing at the polls and hand an advantage to the opposition.
The same stakeholders say a united party, in which every lawful pro-Tinubu effort is welcomed, remains the surest route to victory.
REACTION BEYOND KOGI
Hon. James Faleke, who represents Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is Deputy Director-General (Election Planning, Coordination and Monitoring) of the President’s 2027 re-election campaign council, was quoted as saying: “I read it on social media but didn’t believe that such can happen. But how can you suspend party members for attending Senator Sunday Karimi’s town hall meeting? Well, let’s see how it goes”.
