Kogi West Youth Group Faults Senator Karimi Over Council Funding, Party Unity

A political pressure group in Kogi West has criticised Senator Sunday Karimi over his alleged comments on local government funding, warning that his actions could weaken the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of future elections.

Kogi West Youth for Change (KWYC) said claims that each local government area in Kogi State receives an average of N500 million monthly from the Federation Account could fuel public distrust of council chairmen.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Olurotimi, the group defended the councils’ efforts to tackle insecurity, arguing that security operations require substantial financial resources.

“Security is expensive, and protecting lives and property requires substantial financial commitment,” the group said.

KWYC maintained that council chairmen were working with the state government and security agencies to protect communities. It urged political leaders to support their efforts rather than make comments that could create tension between residents and elected officials.

The group also faulted Karimi’s reported declaration at a function in Kabba that the next governorship of Kogi State should go to Kogi West.

It described the position as premature, noting that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo remains in his first term. It also warned that political ambitions should not override party discipline or create divisions within the APC.

KWYC further questioned 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.

Although the group acknowledged that educational support for students outside a politician’s constituency could be beneficial, it alleged that some of Karimi’s supporters were backing opposition candidates in House of Representatives and Kogi State House of Assembly elections in Kogi West.

The group argued that such activities, if established, could undermine the APC’s electoral prospects and weaken its grassroots structures in the district.

“It is politically self-defeating for anyone to weaken the very platform on which he stands for election,” the statement said.

“The APC is built on collective effort, shared responsibility and loyalty. Anyone seeking re-election should be at the forefront of strengthening the party, not engaging in activities that could undermine its electoral prospects.”

KWYC urged Karimi to exercise restraint in his public comments and use established party structures to resolve disagreements. It warned that internal disputes could damage the party’s standing ahead of future elections.

The group also called for stronger cooperation among the state government, local councils, security agencies and community leaders to address insecurity across Kogi State.

It said the fight against insecurity required adequate funding, intelligence gathering, operational coordination and public support.

KWYC reaffirmed its support for Ododo’s security efforts and urged APC leaders to prioritise public safety, party unity 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 said.

The allegations against Karimi were contained in the group’s statement. The statement did not include a response from the senator.

Kogi State’s political landscape remains important to the APC as party leaders position themselves for future electoral contests. KWYC warned that disputes over political ambition and party loyalty could become a liability if leaders fail to manage them through established party channels.