Kogi West Forum Passes Vote of Confidence in Abejide

The Kogi West Youth Leaders’ Forum has passed a vote of confidence in the leadership transformation of the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency, Hon. Leke Abejide.

The forum’s secretary, Barr. Ajibola Cornelius, said the group was compelled to respond in the interest of truth, fairness and democratic responsibility following remarks allegedly made by Senator Karimi during an interaction in Isanlu.

It acknowledged the constitutional right of every Nigerian to express political opinions but stressed that facts, mutual respect and democratic principles should guide such expressions.
The group described Karimi’s reported comments questioning Abejide’s political relevance and credibility as unfortunate, insisting that the Yagba federal lawmaker had earned his position through a transparent democratic process and remained a formidable grassroots politician.
According to Cornelius, democracy is not defined by the office one occupies but by the people’s trust, accountability, accessibility, and commitment to addressing constituents’ needs.
It maintained that Abejide’s political relevance in Kogi West was built on his close relationship with the people, regular engagement with constituents and dedication to advancing their interests.
The group added that a lawmaker who had consistently secured the electorate’s mandate through democratic elections had no reason to defend his political credentials against what it described as unfounded insinuations.

The Forum further urged political leaders to embrace humility, accountability, and constructive criticism, noting that genuine political relevance should be earned through service, commitment, and the electorate’s confidence rather than through propaganda or controversy.

On the role of traditional institutions, the youth body expressed concern over attempts to draw royal fathers into political disagreements, insisting that traditional rulers should remain symbols of unity, peace and cultural heritage.

It claimed that Abejide had previously made efforts to reconcile Senator Karimi with traditional institutions, describing the move as an act of goodwill aimed at promoting harmony within the district.

The Forum, therefore, called on all political actors in Kogi West to accord traditional rulers the respect they deserve and refrain from dragging them into partisan political disputes.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the group urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns, development-oriented programmes, and constructive engagement rather than personal attacks.

Reaffirming its confidence in Abejide, the Forum said his political standing was defined by his electoral victories, track record in public service and widespread grassroots support.

It added that anyone seeking to challenge his relevance should do so through superior ideas, improved service delivery and by earning the confidence of the electorate.

The Forum concluded by calling on Senator Karimi and other political leaders in Kogi West to demonstrate maturity, accountability and respect in their political engagements, insisting that the democratic choices of the people must always be respected.