One of the major contestants for the Kogi West Senatorial District seat, Senator Smart Adeyemi, has signified his intention to withdraw from the race, citing party’s interest and supremacy and the “overall interest of unity, peace, and victory for our great party”.
The three-term senator made this known in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday.
Adeyemi said as a committed democrat, he believes politics must never be driven by bitterness or personal animosity but service to the people.
He stressed that the essence of politics is to represent the interests of the people, defend their welfare, and ensure peace, stability, and development of the state and nation at large.
The statement reads: “I have been duly informed and briefed about the position of stakeholders from the Western Senatorial District including other critical stakeholders, regarding the primary elections.
“After careful consultations and consideration of all submissions made, I have resolved to take into account very necessary factors that will ensure victory for our great party in the forthcoming gubernatorial and National Assembly elections.
“The stakeholders reached their conclusion during a solidarity meeting, following a series of extensive consultations and harmonization meetings held over four consecutive times including the meeting held on Monday at the residence of Commander Jerry Omadara, Rtd. with other distinguished stakeholders.
“Having carefully reviewed all the issues raised, I hereby formally accept the collective position of the stakeholders, on rotational factor, not competence but good political factor to ensure peace and stability.
“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 to contest for another term representing Yagba Federal Constituency, despite the fact that five aspirants have indicated the interest in contesting for the position.
“Although I remain the sole aspirant from my own federal constituency, after carefully considering the provisions of the constitution and the collective position of the stakeholders, I have decided to withdraw from the race in the overriding interest of the great party, the APC so as to strengthen unity, cohesion, and oneness within Kogi State.
“According to Martin Luther, ‘the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands at moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.’
“This decision has become necessary as we prepare for future electoral contests, particularly the Presidential and National Assembly Elections.
“I firmly believe that our unity will make us stronger and better positioned to achieve victory without unnecessary distractions or division.
“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 warfare and ensure peace, stability, and development of our state and nation at large.
“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.”
Senator Adeyemi, who emphasised the importance of the presidential election and the need for all to work collectively towards delivering overwhelming support and landslide victory for President Bola Tinubu, said everyone must remain united and committed to the collective interest of Kogi State and Nigeria above every individual consideration.
In his words: “I am fully convinced beyond every reasonable doubt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for Nigeria and Nigerians.
“His administration embarked on bold and far-reaching economic reforms aimed at revitalising socio-economic development, strengthening the economy, creating jobs generating wealth, and laying the foundation for sustainable prosperity in ways not witnessed in decades.
“The President is laying a solid foundation for a brighter future for generations yet unborn and repositioning Nigeria positively within the global community of nations.
“While some of the economic policies may appear challenging in the short term, they are necessary reforms design to secure long-term growth, stability, and prosperity for our nations.
“We must therefore continue to support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and remain steadfast in ensuring the success of these transformative reforms.
“I also wish to sincerely commend the Governor of Kogi State for his visionary leadership and the remarkable projects currently ongoing across the state.
“In particular, I commend the New Airport project, which is fundamental to accelerating the economic development of our state.
“Beyond serving as our local airport, it is strategically envisioned as a complementary facility to the Abuja International Airport.
“This is highly visionary and deserving of commendation.
“I also want to sincerely thank the former governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, for his sterling qualities and unwavering commitment to the progress and stability of our party in the state and his commitment towards President Tinubu’s second term election.”
Adeyemi said across the length and breadth of Nigeria today, the citizens are witnessing unprecedented developmental projects aimed at creating jobs, generating wealth, and accelerating economic growth.
He said these achievements have been made possible through the courageous and necessary reform initiated by President Tinubu, especially the removal of fuel subsidy.
He added: “As a former member of the Senate Committee on Appropriation during the 9th Senate, I had firsthand insight into the trajectory of Nigeria‘s economy and repeatedly warned that the nation’s economic ship was fast approaching a critical point in 2023 during my consultation and campaign.
