Stakeholders within the ruling All Progressives Congress have alleged that the former governor’s senatorial interest may not be an ordinary representation ambition, but part of a broader political strategy targeted at influencing the leadership structure of the National Assembly.
According to party loyalists and concerned stakeholders, Yahaya Bello’s alleged mission from the beginning was to secure the APC senatorial ticket through the backdoor despite not openly declaring his intention before party faithful and the public.
The Yahaya Bello Nigerians knew during his time in office was widely regarded as a “social media governor” whose activities constantly dominated media space. From public appearances, donation of money to hawkers, political gatherings, sporting and gymnastics displays, and several publicity-driven outings, the former governor was always visible whenever he pursued political objectives.
Observers therefore questioned why such a media-conscious politician could not openly identify himself during the APC Senatorial Screening Exercise if truly he had nothing to hide.
Former Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Edward Onoja, was also cited by party stakeholders as indirectly confirming that his former principal did not appear confidently and publicly during the screening exercise. Critics argued that if Yahaya Bello truly participated openly, close allies like Chief Edward Onoja would have confidently taken photographs with him and circulated them publicly to demonstrate transparency and legitimacy.
We therefore challenge him and his supporters to prove otherwise before the people of Kogi Central and the APC family.
Political observers believe the former governor’s ultimate target is beyond occupying a seat at the Senate chamber. According to several APC stakeholders, the larger objective may be to strategically position himself for the office of Senate President by replicating the political scenario that played out during the emergence of Bukola Saraki in the 8th National Assembly.
Party members fear such political calculations could create another internal leadership crisis capable of weakening party supremacy at the national level.
The national leadership of APC is therefore being advised to remain alert and avoid any arrangement capable of destabilizing the party structure ahead of future political contests.
Furthermore, many party members insist that Yahaya Bello should first concentrate on clearing his name from the numerous legal controversies and allegations linked to his administration before nursing further political ambitions.
The former governor still faces matters involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission alongside other unresolved allegations associated with his years in office. Critics insist accountability, transparency, and justice must take precedence over fresh political aspirations.
Stakeholders also emphasized the need for fairness and political balancing within Kogi Central. According to concerned APC members, one local government has continued to dominate sensitive political appointments and government opportunities while others remain politically neglected.
Party leaders noted that the same local government had already produced:
A former governor,
State party chairman,
Accountants-General of the state,
Several influential commissioners and top government officials.
Meanwhile, Ogori-Magongo allegedly has no commissioner or major government appointment despite being part of Kogi Central.
Similarly, Ibrahim Adoke Yakubu is from Adavi while Momoh Yusuf Obaro is from Okehi, yet many stakeholders believe Okehi Local Government has consistently been shortchanged in political appointments and power sharing.
Party elders further recalled that despite being a sitting governor with enormous political influence and state resources, Yahaya Bello could not successfully deliver his preferred candidate, Sadiku Abubakar Ohere, during the senatorial election.
That election period was also characterized by allegations of political tension, crisis, killings, and destruction of properties in several communities across Kogi Central.
Many APC stakeholders now believe the party must avoid repeating mistakes capable of imposing unpopular political arrangements against the wishes of the people.
The APC leadership is therefore being urged to rescue the Ebira political structure from what critics described as domination by “FGYB and his cronies,” insisting that internal democracy, justice, fairness, and inclusive participation must prevail within the party.
This position is reportedly being championed by concerned APC elders and women groups, including the APC Elders Women Council led by Hajia Gogo Anaje, who called on the national leadership of the party to listen carefully to the voices and aspirations of ordinary party members across Kogi Central.
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