The Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Sunday Steve Karimi, has rejected a judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja which nullified his nomination as the senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 general elections.
The court had on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, declared Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro as the validly nominated candidate of the party.
Reacting to the ruling in a statement issued on Wednesday, Senator Karimi described the judgment as contrary to the evidence presented before the court, alleging that the trial judge departed from established precedents regarding statute of limitations in pre-election matters and the primary authority of political parties to conduct nominations.
Karimi maintained that Aro did not participate in the APC senatorial primary election held on May 18, 2026, accusing his rival of submitting fabricated documentation to substantiate a false claim.
“It is clear that the judgment runs contrary to the evidence before the court,” Karimi said. “The people of Kogi West, the entire state, and even Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro know that he did not participate in the primary election, yet submitted fabricated documents to support a false claim.”
The lawmaker further alleged that the legal challenge was orchestrated by political figures within the state executive leadership seeking to undermine his campaign due to his outspoken criticism over the management of state financial resources.
Reaffirming his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC, Karimi declared that his campaign structure remains fully operational while his legal team prepares an immediate appeal to set aside the High Court’s decision.
“I remain strong and undeterred, and my campaign continues with renewed zeal and vigour,” Karimi added. “I urge my supporters to stay strong as we pursue redress in court.”
