By Gabriel Ameh
Allegations of a political scheme aimed at weakening the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 senatorial primaries in Kogi West Senatorial District have reportedly surfaced within party circles.
Sources within the party claim that certain opposition elements, working with influential political figures in the state, are attempting to influence the emergence of the APC candidate for the district.
At the centre of the allegations is the recent entry into the race by former member of the House of Representatives, Samuel Aro.
Aro, who represented his constituency in the Sixth National Assembly from 2007 to 2011, is reportedly a close associate of businessman Tunde Ayeni, who has been linked in political discussions with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Party insiders allege that the strategy involves persuading the national leadership of the APC to grant the party’s senatorial ticket to Aro ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The current senator representing the district, Sunday Karimi, is widely regarded by his supporters as having performed credibly and maintaining strong political alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the claims, once nominated as the APC candidate, Aro could allegedly support the presidential candidate of the ADC during the 2027 election.
Political analysts note that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is widely expected to be among the leading contenders for the ADC presidential ticket if he seeks the platform.
Sources further alleged that discussions surrounding the strategy were held during private meetings in Abuja residences linked to a former governor of Kogi State and his successor.
Observers say the alleged plan is believed to target the strong political base of the APC in Kogi West Senatorial District, where six of the seven local government areas are predominantly Okun-Yoruba and have historically supported President Tinubu and the ruling party.
Analysts warn that any internal division within the district could weaken the party’s influence in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The senatorial district voted overwhelmingly for Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, reinforcing its reputation as one of the party’s strongest support bases in the state.
Businessman Tunde Ayeni has previously been associated with several political activities during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. He reportedly played a role in political fundraising efforts before the 2015 general election, which saw the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lose power at the federal level.
Ayeni also faced scrutiny from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over business dealings linked to the now-defunct Skye Bank Plc, although some political figures have argued that the investigations were politically motivated.
Samuel Aro last contested an election in 2019 as the running mate to the PDP governorship candidate, Musa Wada.
Sources claim he initially resisted entering the current senatorial contest but later agreed after alleged financial backing was offered.
According to insiders, a political rally held in Isanlu, headquarters of Yagba East Local Government Area, and attended by Governor Usman Ododo and former governor Yahaya Bello, was used to gauge public reaction to Aro’s reported defection to the APC.
Questions have also surfaced in political circles regarding Aro’s eligibility to contest the 2027 election due to his company’s involvement in the widely reported 2014 fuel subsidy investigation.
His firm, ASB Investment Limited, was indicted during the subsidy probe and later entered into a plea arrangement with the Federal Government to refund funds linked to the case.
Legal analysts note that while plea agreements resolve criminal proceedings, they do not necessarily imply complete exoneration.
Investigations also suggest that the alleged political manoeuvring may be connected to long-standing political tensions between the camp of former governor Yahaya Bello and the presidency.
Observers trace the rivalry to the controversial aftermath of the 2015 Kogi State governorship election following the death of APC candidate Abubakar Audu, when Bello eventually emerged governor ahead of Audu’s running mate, James Faleke, who was widely believed to have the backing of Tinubu.
Political analysts say traces of the rivalry resurfaced during the APC presidential primaries leading to the 2023 general election.
As political activity gradually intensifies ahead of the 2027 electoral cycle, party insiders warn that internal divisions within the ruling party could play a significant role in shaping the outcome of the senatorial race in Kogi West.
