By: Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja.

Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi West Senatorial District have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, security agencies, and the national leadership of the party to investigate allegations of result manipulation and forgery arising from the recently concluded senatorial primary election.

The appeal follows growing concerns among party faithful over claims that an alternative result sheet allegedly surfaced after the primary election, sparking protests in parts of Okunland, especially within the Yagba axis.

According to the official results announced by Returning Officer Haruna Isah, Senator Sunday Karimi emerged winner of the APC Kogi West Senatorial primary with a commanding 51,665 votes. Other aspirants trailed behind, with Samuel Aro polling 620 votes, former Senator Smart Adeyemi securing 571 votes, Alhaji Abubakar Zakari Ola recording 414 votes, and Elizabeth Adedoyin receiving 18 votes.

Party officials said the certified results were subsequently submitted to the APC Kogi State Senatorial Primary Election Committee, describing the outcome as a reflection of widespread support for Karimi across the seven local government areas of Kogi West.

However, the emergence of alleged conflicting results after the declaration has heightened political tension within the district, prompting youth groups and party stakeholders to demand clarity and accountability from party authorities.

Stakeholders warned that failure to address the allegations transparently could weaken confidence in the party’s internal democratic process ahead of future elections. They maintained that the APC’s reputation for fairness and due process must be protected through a prompt and impartial investigation.

Speaking on behalf of the Karimi Campaign Team, Media Coordinator Adewale Asepo described the controversy as an attempt to undermine Senator Karimi’s “clear and overwhelming mandate.”

Asepo stated that the primary election held on May 18 produced a legitimate and certified outcome, stressing that Karimi’s victory margin demonstrated the overwhelming support of delegates across Kogi West.

He argued that any attempt to introduce alternative results after the official declaration amounts to a direct challenge to the democratic principles of the party.

The campaign team called on the APC national leadership and President Tinubu to take immediate steps to investigate the alleged irregularities, sanction anyone found culpable, and uphold the certified results announced by the Returning Officer.

Stakeholders also appealed to supporters of all aspirants to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while authorities review the matter, insisting that unity, justice, and due process must prevail over political disagreements.