Senator Sunday Steve Karimi vows to appeal Federal High Court decision on Kogi West APC candidacy

Senator Sunday Steve Karimi openly rejected the Federal High Court ruling that nullified his selection as the All Progressives Congress (APC) nominee for the Kogi West senatorial seat. In a statement released on Wednesday in Lokoja, the senator said he remains confident in retaining the party’s ticket and will pursue the matter through the appellate courts.

Karimi described the judgment as “unfortunate” and argued that it contradicted the evidence presented at trial. He argued that the verdict contradicted previous decisions in comparable pre-election matters, specifically concerning the time limit for filing suits and the body empowered to organize party primaries and validate victors. The senator also questioned the legitimacy of the suit filed by Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro, asserting that Aro did not take part in the APC primary and had submitted false documents.

Background

The dispute centres on the APC’s internal process for selecting its candidate for the Kogi West senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. Karimi, an incumbent senator, emerged as the party’s nominee, but his candidacy was challenged in court by Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro. The Federal High Court ruled against Karimi, effectively removing him as the APC candidate. In response, Karimi issued a statement accusing unnamed political interests in Kogi State of using the legal system to persecute him because of his criticism of state resource management. He reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, positioning himself as the president’s leading supporter in the state.

Why it matters

The ruling has direct implications for the APC’s electoral strategy in Kogi West, a key constituency in the upcoming 2027 elections. If Karimi’s appeal succeeds, the party could retain its incumbent candidate, potentially influencing voter alignment and the overall performance of the APC in the region. Conversely, a upheld judgment could force the party to nominate an alternative candidate, reshaping campaign dynamics. The case also highlights broader concerns about the role of the judiciary in internal party disputes and the interpretation of statutes of limitation in electoral matters.

What happens next

Karimi has indicated that he will file an appeal with the appellate court, citing the Nigerian judicial system’s provision for redress. No specific dates for the appeal hearing have been disclosed. The outcome of the appellate process will determine whether Karimi remains the APC candidate for Kogi West or whether the party must select a new nominee ahead of the 2027 elections.