The State Programme Coordinator of Win With Tinubu (WWT), Hon. Sani Phillips, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the lingering political crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State, particularly the fallout of the party’s senatorial primary election in Kogi West.
Phillips made the appeal on Thursday in Lokoja during a world press conference organised to formally unveil Win With Tinubu, a grassroots campaign platform championed by Senator Sunday Steve Karimi and like-minded individuals across the state to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
He expressed concern over the alleged vandalism of APC-related offices and campaign materials, disclosing that the organisation’s office in Lokoja was recently burgled, with posters bearing the images of President Tinubu and Senator Steve Karimi torn down and office equipment vandalised.
He further disclosed that another incident of vandalism was reported the previous week in a community in Ajaka, Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the developments were unfortunate and called for urgent intervention by the President and the national leadership of the party to prevent further escalation of tensions arising from the party’s primary elections.
Phillips maintained that the people of Kogi West had made their choice during the APC senatorial primary, insisting that Senator Sunday Steve Karimi emerged victorious in an exercise he described as free, fair and credible.
He questioned the decision of some aspirants to challenge the outcome of the primary election in court, alleging that some of those seeking legal redress did not participate in the exercise.
He particularly mentioned Sam Aro, whom he alleged did not participate in the Kogi West senatorial primary, describing his court action as unjustified and capable of deepening divisions within the party.
“We want to appreciate the Kogi State Government for setting up a reconciliation committee to engage party members and reconcile aggrieved interests ahead of the forthcoming elections.
“However, as part of the reconciliation process, we urge the state government to encourage aspirants who have approached the court without legitimate grounds to withdraw their cases in the interest of party unity,” he said.
The WWT coordinator stressed that resolving the disagreements within the APC was necessary to ensure a united front and a smooth campaign ahead of the forthcoming elections.
He also dismissed suggestions of a possible defection or political realignment arising from the crisis, describing such reports as rumours and speculation.
Phillips called on party leaders and stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, reconciliation and internal cohesion, noting that a divided party could undermine the collective efforts of members working towards electoral success.
