Senator Sunday Karimi has vowed to challenge a Federal High Court judgment concerning his emergence as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Kogi West Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections.
Karimi described the judgment as unfortunate, insisting that it contradicted the evidence presented before the court and would not stop his political activities ahead of the elections.
The senator made his position known in a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Lokoja, Kogi State.
He said he was confident of retaining the APC ticket, adding that he would pursue the matter through the appellate court.
Karimi faulted the trial judge’s decision, arguing that it was inconsistent with previous judicial pronouncements on similar pre-election disputes, particularly those concerning the statute of limitation and the authority responsible for conducting party primaries and declaring winners.
He maintained that the judicial system provided an opportunity for redress, expressing confidence that the appeal process would address his concerns.
The senator also questioned the basis of the suit instituted by his challenger, Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro.
He alleged that Aro did not participate in the APC senatorial primary but relied on documents he described as false to challenge his emergence.
Karimi further alleged that the legal battle was part of a sustained attempt by unnamed political interests in the state to persecute him over his criticism of the management of Kogi State’s resources.
He, however, did not identify those allegedly behind the move.
Despite the court’s decision, the senator said his political engagements and preparations for the 2027 general elections would continue without interruption.
He also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu, describing himself as the President’s leading supporter in Kogi State.
Karimi accused those challenging his emergence of lacking genuine commitment to the APC and Tinubu’s political interests.
He urged his supporters to remain calm and steadfast, assuring them that efforts were already underway to seek redress through the appropriate legal channels.
The senator described the development as one of the challenges his camp would overcome in its pursuit of good governance and electoral success in 2027.
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