Former senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District, Smart Adeyemi, has withdrawn from the senatorial race under the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing party unity and collective interest.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that Adeyemi disclosed this in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Lokoja on Sunday.
The three-term senator said his decision followed consultations with party stakeholders and was aimed at ensuring peace, stability and victory for the APC in the forthcoming elections.
Adeyemi said politics should not be driven by bitterness or personal animosity.
“As a committed democrat, I believe politics must never be driven by bitterness or personal animosity. The essence of politics is to represent the interest of the people, defend their welfare and ensure peace, stability, and development of our state and nation at large,” he said.
He explained that stakeholders from Kogi West reached their position after several harmonisation meetings and consultations.
“Having carefully reviewed all the issues raised, I hereby formally accept the collective position of the stakeholders, on rotational factor, and political considerations to ensure peace and stability,” he stated.
The former lawmaker said stakeholders endorsed Senator Sunday Karimi for another term despite the interest shown by other aspirants.
“Following extensive deliberations and harmonization meeting over the past two weeks, including Friday consultations, the stakeholders, in their wisdom, resolve to endorse Senator Sunday Karimi,” he said.
Adeyemi urged his supporters and APC members to support Karimi during the primary election.
“I therefore appeal to my supporters, loyalists, and associates across Kogi state and beyond to always place the interest of the party above personal ambition,” he added.
Ex-Senator Praises Tinubu, Ododo
Adeyemi also expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the government’s economic reforms as bold and necessary.
“I am fully convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians,” he said.
He further commended Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, for the ongoing infrastructure projects, especially the new airport project in the state.