By: olawale John
The adage that good deeds are rewarded appears increasingly irrelevant in Kogi West Senatorial District politics, particularly within the APC, from the era of former Governor Yahaya Bello to the present day. Recent political maneuvers have once again put loyalty, trust, and strategic alliances under intense scrutiny.
During Senator Dino Melaye’s tenure representing Kogi West, he faced repeated political battles with the then-Bello administration. At one point, the governor pushed for his recall, citing alleged political disloyalty, but the people of Kogi West, especially the Okun majority, stood firmly behind Melaye, rejecting what many saw as a politically motivated move. In response, Bello endorsed Smart Adeyemi, a candidate not originally part of his political family but seen as a strong APC contender capable of challenging Melaye of the PDP.
Though Melaye initially won the election, a court ruling later overturned the result on technical grounds, handing the Senate seat to Adeyemi. Early in his tenure, Adeyemi publicly demonstrated loyalty to Bello, vowing to support any candidate Bello chose as his successor, even if it meant backing someone politically opposed to him. Notable moments, including a public event where Adeyemi knelt before Bello, symbolized this allegiance.
However, tensions arose when it became apparent that Bello might not support Adeyemi’s re-election bid. Adeyemi responded by granting media interviews critical of Bello’s administration, effectively ending their political relationship prior to the 2023 elections. Interestingly, in recent times, Adeyemi and Bello’s political family appear reconciled, with a growing faction advocating for him to replace Senator Sunday Karimi. Adeyemi has reportedly intensified efforts to court Bello’s support and the favor of key political stakeholders.
Senator Sunday Karimi’s rise followed a contrasting trajectory. A PDP member who defected to the APC shortly before the elections, Karimi was warmly welcomed and elevated above other aspirants, despite his prior criticisms of Bello’s administration, which he accused of widespread looting and mismanagement. Karimi eventually won the Senate seat, but relations with the Bello political family quickly soured. The rift deepened after Karimi publicly mocked the APC leadership during a Tinubu campaign rally organized by the Bello and Ododo political structures. Subsequently, Karimi made statements suggesting that the Okun and Igala ethnic groups should take control of state leadership in the next government and openly promoted a governor from Kogi West, moves that alienated Bello and his supporters. Political insiders indicate there are ongoing efforts to prevent Karimi from contesting in the 2027 Senate race.
Adding to the intrigue is the defection of Sam Aro, former PDP deputy governorship candidate in the 2019 Kogi election, to the APC. Political sources suggest Aro could be positioned to claim the Kogi West senatorial ticket, potentially displacing Karimi. Like others, Aro was a vocal critic of Bello’s administration during his 2019 campaign. Both Karimi and Aro hail from Yagba land, fueling speculation that their selection is a strategic move to neutralize Karimi’s influence and consolidate Bello’s control over the district.
The unfolding scenario raises critical questions about political strategy and the value of loyalty within the APC in Kogi West. Critics argue that former opponents are consistently rewarded, while loyalists who have remained steadfast throughout Bello’s political journey are sidelined. This has sparked debates over the party’s internal democracy and whether loyalty or political expediency drives candidate selection.
As the 2027 elections approach, Kogi West remains a hotspot of political maneuvering, defections, and strategic alliances. Observers will be closely watching whether past critics like Aro will gain favor, whether Adeyemi can reclaim his standing, and whether Karimi can defend his political legacy in the face of mounting opposition from within the APC camp. One thing is certain, the dynamics in Kogi West illustrate the complex interplay of loyalty, power, and strategy in Nigerian politics, where yesterday’s allies can quickly become tomorrow’s opponents.
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