BY: SUNDAY UNEKWUOJO SAMSON
FROM ABUJA
Progressive Stakeholders Forum (KPSF) in Lokoja, led by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, where party leaders and representatives from across Kogi State endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term, has generated intense public debate. Much of the discussion has focused on the absence of the sitting governor and some stakeholders. However, beyond surface-level interpretations, the gathering represents something deeper: political diversity, strategic foresight, and an authentic expression of federal alignment within Kogi APC.
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| Photo: senator Sunday karimi |
An Endorsement Rooted in Leadership and Federal Reality
Senator Karimi’s endorsement should not be dismissed as symbolic or premature. Rather, it reflects a clear understanding of Nigeria’s political structure, where federal proximity and influence play a critical role in attracting development, infrastructure, and national attention to states.
Karimi has consistently positioned himself as a bridge between Kogi State and the federal centre. His political approach is not confrontational but strategic, focused on ensuring Kogi remains relevant within the ruling party at the national level. Endorsing President Tinubu early is therefore not a personal ambition, but a calculated move to align Kogi with the current power structure for long-term benefits.
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| Establishment shoot of the stakeholders who attended the meeting |
The Importance of Federal Proximity Through Faleke
A major strength of this endorsement lies in Kogi’s indirect but powerful proximity to the Presidency through Hon. James Abiodun Faleke. Faleke, a long-time ally and trusted associate of President Tinubu, occupies a strategic position within the federal political network. Though he represents Lagos at the National Assembly, his Kogi roots and long-standing relationship with Tinubu make him a vital link between the state and the presidency.
In Nigerian politics, access matters. States whose leaders maintain close working relationships with the federal government often enjoy advantages in policy consideration, appointments, and project execution. Senator Karimi’s alignment with Tinubu, supported by trusted federal figures like Faleke, places Kogi in a position of relevance rather than isolation.
Diversity Within APC Is Not Disunity
The absence of the sitting governor and some stakeholders at the KPSF meeting should not be interpreted as rejection of the endorsement or a crisis within Kogi APC. Political parties, especially dominant ones like the APC, naturally contain multiple power blocs and strategic approaches.
What the KPSF gathering demonstrates is that APC in Kogi is not controlled by a single voice. Instead, it reflects a plural political structure where different leaders engage the party’s future from different angles. Senator Karimi’s forum represents one such angle, ocused on national alignment and early positioning ahead of 2027.
Political diversity, when managed properly, strengthens democracy within a party. It encourages dialogue, negotiation, and strategic thinking rather than blind conformity.
Why Karimi’s Endorsement Is Authentic
Authenticity in politics is measured by consistency, influence, and intent. Senator Karimi has been consistent in his support for the APC leadership at the national level, vocal in his belief in Tinubu’s governance agenda, and deliberate in mobilizing grassroots stakeholders.
The endorsement was not limited to elite declarations; it involved representatives from across Kogi’s wards, signaling a bottom-up expression of support, not just top-down directives. This grassroots involvement strengthens the credibility of the endorsement and confirms it as more than a personal political statement.
Conclusion: A Strategic Signal, Not a Political Error
Senator Sunday Steve Karimi’s endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is best understood as a strategic signal of loyalty, foresight, and federal engagement. It does not undermine the state leadership, nor does it negate other voices within APC. Instead, it highlights the reality that Kogi’s future relevance depends on strong ties to the federal government.
In a political climate where access, alignment, and influence determine development outcomes, Karimi’s move places Kogi on the map as a state willing to engage early, think strategically, and prioritize national cohesion over internal hesitation.
Far from being controversial, the KPSF endorsement stands as a legitimate and authentic expression of political direction, one that underscores the value of diversity, dialogue, and federal proximity in modern Nigerian politics.