By Joel Ajayi

A political pressure group in Kogi West Senatorial District, Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC), has criticised Senator Sunday Karimi over alleged attempts to discredit Local Government Councils in Kogi State, warning that such actions could weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, the group faulted the senator’s reported claim that each local government area in the state receives an average of ₦500 million monthly from the Federation Account.

KWYC argued that such claims could create unnecessary tension between residents and elected council chairmen, insisting that local governments should be encouraged to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity rather than face what it described as politically motivated criticism.

“Security is expensive, and protecting lives and property requires substantial financial commitment. The Local Government Chairmen are working alongside the State Government and security agencies to make our communities safer,” the statement said.

The group urged political leaders to support these efforts, warning that public statements capable of eroding confidence in elected representatives could undermine collective efforts to address security challenges.

KWYC also recalled Karimi’s reported declaration at a function in Kabba that the governorship of Kogi State should go to Kogi West. It described the position as premature, noting that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo is still serving his first term.

According to the group, political ambitions should be pursued with discipline and respect for party procedures, stressing that personal interests must not be allowed to generate divisions within the APC.

The group further raised concerns over the senator’s alleged political activities outside his immediate constituency, including reported scholarship interventions for students in Kogi East and efforts to mobilise support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the district.

While acknowledging that scholarship support for students outside one’s constituency could be commendable, KWYC alleged that some of the senator’s supporters were backing opposition candidates in House of Representatives and Kogi State House of Assembly elections in Kogi West.

“It is politically self-defeating for anyone to weaken the very platform on which he stands for election. The APC is built on collective effort, shared responsibility and loyalty,” the statement added.

The group warned that, if established, the alleged activities could undermine the senator’s re-election prospects and weaken the party’s grassroots structures across Kogi West.

KWYC expressed support for the local government chairmen, commending their efforts to address insecurity and calling for stronger collaboration among the state government, councils, security agencies and community leaders.

It stressed that tackling insecurity requires adequate funding, intelligence gathering, operational coordination and public cooperation, adding that political considerations should not be allowed to derail ongoing security initiatives.

The group consequently urged Karimi to exercise restraint in his public comments and use established party structures to resolve disagreements rather than engage in activities capable of deepening divisions.

KWYC reaffirmed its support for Governor Ododo’s security efforts and called on APC leaders to prioritise party unity, public safety and the welfare of residents.

“We will not allow anyone to destroy the unity of our party in Kogi State. Kogi West deserves responsible leadership, our communities deserve security, and the APC deserves the loyalty and commitment of all those elected on its platform,” the group declared.

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