A political advocacy group, Eagle Watch and Project Accountability Initiative, has appealed to the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider Dr Ibrahim Bisimillahi as a consensus candidate for the Kogi West Senatorial District ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The appeal was contained in a statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Alhaji Danasabe Muhammed, and Secretary, Abdulateef Kareem, in Abuja.
The group also called on President Bola Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, to intervene in the political disagreement arising from the outcome of the recent party primary in the senatorial district.
According to the statement, the appeal became necessary following conflicting claims over the results of the primary election, with both the incumbent senator, Sunday Karimi, and Hon. Samuel Aro reportedly declared winners by different interests.
The group warned that the dispute between the two aspirants, both from Yagba West Local Government Area, could deepen divisions within the party and negatively affect the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.
It stated that adopting a neutral candidate acceptable to all factions would help preserve unity and strengthen the party ahead of the polls.
The organisation argued that allowing either Karimi or Aro to emerge as the candidate could leave one camp feeling sidelined, thereby increasing tensions within the party structure.
Reviewing the senatorial district’s zoning arrangement, the group noted that Kogi West is made up of Lokoja/Koton-Karfe, Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu and Yagba federal constituencies.
While acknowledging that the current rotation favours the Yagba axis, the group maintained that fairness and equity support the emergence of a candidate from Yagba East Local Government Area.
It pointed out that although both Karimi and Aro are from Yagba West, Yagba East had yet to produce a senator for the district, making Bisimillahi a more balanced choice.
The group further highlighted Bisimillahi’s loyalty to the APC, his political influence across the seven local government areas of Kogi West and his relationships with major political blocs within the state.
According to the statement, Bisimillahi maintains cordial ties with the political camps of James Faleke, former Governor Yahaya Bello and the current Governor Ahmed Ododo.
The group added that his emergence would ease tensions within the party and provide a common ground for aggrieved stakeholders.
It also referenced the political legacy of his late father, Alhaji Simidu Bisimillahi, describing it as a foundation that strengthened his political network and grassroots acceptance over the years.
The organisation further praised Bisimillahi’s humanitarian activities and community empowerment programmes, saying his leadership style and popularity make him well-positioned to unite party members and strengthen APC’s chances in the 2027 elections.