Group Warns Okun Traditional Rulers Against Political Manipulation

The Movement for the Emancipation of Kogi State (MEKSTA) has cautioned traditional rulers in Okunland against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political division and destabilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group urged the monarchs to emulate the impartiality demonstrated by the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Ahmed Tijani Anaje, who recently advised a political aspirant seeking his support that traditional rulers are fathers to all and must remain non-partisan.

In a statement issued yesterday, MEKSTA alleged that there were ongoing efforts by the Kogi State Government to create political disaffection within Kogi West through the involvement of traditional rulers.

MEKSTA described the development as part of a broader effort to promote Mr. Samuel Bamidele Aro as an alternative political figure in Kogi West ahead of the 2027 elections.

The organisation recalled that Aro had withdrawn from the APC senatorial primary election held on May 18, 2026, and publicly pledged support for Senator Karimi. It, however, alleged that he was later linked to attempts to alter the outcome of the primary election through the falsification of results.

The group expressed concern that rather than focusing on pressing security challenges confronting communities in Kogi West, including recurring incidents of kidnapping and banditry, attention was being diverted to political disagreements.

According to MEKSTA, recent security incidents in parts of Kabba-Bunu and Yagba West have heightened fears among residents, making unity and effective governance more important than political rivalry.

The organisation maintained that Senator Karimi enjoys widespread support across Kogi West, citing his accessibility, constituency engagement and developmental interventions.

MEKSTA noted that more than 51,000 APC members across the district reportedly participated in the party’s primary process and renewed confidence in Karimi’s leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

The group warned that any attempt to undermine the senator’s position within the APC could have political consequences for the party in Kogi West and potentially weaken the region’s influence within the broader political landscape of Kogi State.

The statement was jointly signed by Hon. Obafemi Medaiyese (Yagba Federal Constituency), Comrade Joseph Mebatonije (Kabba-Bunu/Ijumu Federal Constituency), Alhaji Yusuf Kpareke (Lokoja/Kotonkarfe Federal Constituency) and Mallam Jimoh Ozovehe (Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency),

Others are; Dr. Nurudeen Adaviriku (Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency), Alhaji Isiaka Momoh (Ajaokuta Federal Constituency), Chief Ojonimi Adegbe (Idah/Igalamela-Odolu/Ofu/Ibaji Federal Constituency), Pastor Mark Onucheyo (Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency) and Bishop Husseini Saidu (Ankpa/Omala/Olamaboro Federal Constituency).