Aro Pledges Unwavering Loyalty to Kogi West People, Ododo, Tinubu After Court Victory
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kogi West Senatorial District, Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro, has pledged unwavering loyalty to the people of the district, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring party leaders and supporters that he would not betray the confidence reposed in him following the court decision affirming his candidacy for the 2027 senatorial election.
Aro gave the assurance during engagements with APC leaders and stakeholders, who welcomed and congratulated him following the court victory, describing the development as an opportunity for the party to put its differences behind it and concentrate on the task of winning the forthcoming general elections.
Addressing the gathering, the APC candidate expressed gratitude to the people of Kogi West, party leaders and stakeholders for their support and steadfastness throughout the contest. He assured them that their confidence would not be taken for granted, stressing that his political ambition was anchored on service, loyalty and the collective interest of the people.
He particularly reaffirmed his commitment to Governor Ododo, pledging to work in line with the Governor’s vision and political direction while strengthening the APC across the senatorial district.
Aro also declared his readiness to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s re-election, insisting that the APC must remain united and focused on securing victory for the President and other party candidates in the 2027 general elections.
He said the time had come for all stakeholders to close ranks, strengthen existing relationships and work together for the progress of Kogi West and the success of the APC.
The former legislator maintained that he understood the demands of legislative representation, having served in the legislature and previously contested for the Senate seat during the 2014/2015 election cycle.
Responding to questions from journalists, Aro disclosed that he already had a working manifesto outlining his vision for Kogi West, which would be presented to the public as his campaign progresses. He expressed confidence that, by God’s grace, his election in 2027 would provide the opportunity to translate his plans into meaningful representation and development for the district.
The Kogi West APC leader, Hon. Jerry Omodara, welcomed Aro and congratulated him on his victory, while former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Umar Ahmed Imam, also described him as a senator already.
Imam urged APC leaders, members and supporters across the district to sustain and expand the party’s grassroots support, stressing that the priority should now be campaigning and mobilisation rather than continued attention to the court dispute.
He called for a united political front capable of delivering victory for Aro and other APC candidates, from the presidential election to the state and National Assembly contests.
The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, offered prayers for Aro’s success and sustained victory, while Hon. James Fabola led songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. Hon. Shuaib Ipinmisho also expressed gratitude to God and prayed for the candidate’s success.
The gathering later proceeded to Amusement Park in Lokoja, led by Hon. Abdulrahman Hussaini, popularly known as Gentle, for further engagement with grassroots stakeholders and vote mobilisers from Lokoja/Koto Federal Constituency and other parts of Kogi West.
Among the political leaders and stakeholders present were Hon. Ayo Mayegun, Hon. Fancy Jimoh, Hon. Buhari Lokoja, Hon. Tade Oshaloto, Hon. Ibrahim Mohamed, Hon. Bawa Dangana, Hon. J.O. Abel-Ontop, Hon. Nda Aaron, Hon. Tajudeen Faniyi, Hon. Micah Luke and Hon. Suleiman Baba, among others.
Earlier, Aro had paid a courtesy visit to Gegu Community in Kogi Local Government Area, where he sought the continued cooperation and support of party leaders and stakeholders following the court decision affirming him as the APC candidate for Kogi West.
During the visit, he appealed for unity and solidarity among party members, emphasising that the success of the APC in 2027 would depend largely on the ability of its leaders and supporters to work together. He also acknowledged the support and steadfastness of the APC leader in the local government, Hon. Bashir Gegu.
The engagements underscore Aro’s renewed appeal for loyalty, unity and collective commitment as the party moves into the next phase of its political activities.
For the APC candidate, the message to the people and party leadership is clear: the confidence reposed in him will not be betrayed, and his ambition will be pursued in partnership with the people, in support of Governor Ododo’s leadership and towards securing victory for President Tinubu and the APC in 2027.