The reaction followed developments surrounding the APC senatorial primary election held across Kogi Central Senatorial District on May 18, 2026, where Yahaya Bello reportedly participated actively in the exercise and was allegedly declared winner by supporters and some party stakeholders before controversies emerged over his screening status.
In a statement issued by members of his legal team on Monday, the lawyers argued that it was legally inconsistent and morally unacceptable for a candidate who was allowed to participate fully in the primary election process to later be declared disqualified after the exercise had already taken place.
According to the legal representatives, Yahaya Bello fulfilled all constitutional and party requirements expected of an aspirant and was duly recognized throughout the primary election process.
The statement maintained that:
“Our client participated openly in the APC senatorial primary conducted on May 18, 2026, across the five local government areas of Kogi Central. At no point before or during the exercise was he officially barred from contesting. It is therefore shocking and unacceptable for any individual or group to attempt to invalidate the mandate freely given to him by party members.”
The lawyers further alleged that certain powerful interests within the party were attempting to manipulate the outcome of the primary process in order to impose preferred candidates against the wishes of party faithful across the district.
They insisted that the alleged disqualification lacked due process and violated both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act guiding party primaries in Nigeria.
The legal team disclosed that consultations had already commenced with senior advocates and constitutional experts, adding that legal action would be pursued immediately should the party fail to reverse what they described as “an injustice against democratic participation.”
They warned that any attempt to substitute the outcome of the primary election could create serious political tensions within the ruling party in Kogi Central and may negatively affect APC’s chances in the forthcoming senatorial election.
Supporters of Yahaya Bello across Okene, Adavi, Okehi, Ajaokuta, and Ogori/Magongo local government areas have also expressed dissatisfaction over the development, insisting that the former governor remains one of the most influential political figures in the district.
Meanwhile, party stakeholders loyal to other aspirants have defended the screening process, arguing that the APC National Screening Committee acted within its constitutional powers and guidelines.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership had yet to issue an official clarification regarding the conflicting claims surrounding the Kogi Central senatorial primary outcome.
Political observers believe the unfolding dispute may eventually be decided by the courts if reconciliation efforts within the party fail.
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