The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially given its nod to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, enabling him to contest the party’s senatorial primary for Kogi Central ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 general elections. This development draws a curtain on days of intense speculation and uncertainty surrounding his political future, especially in light of his ongoing corruption trial.
Confirmation of Mr. Bello’s clearance came directly from the APC National Assembly screening committee, which released the comprehensive list of approved aspirants for Kogi State’s three senatorial districts. His name prominently featured among those cleared for the Kogi Central Senatorial District, signifying a major hurdle overcome despite the legal storm he currently navigates. He is now set to contend against Momoh Obaro and Ibrahim Adoke for the party’s ticket.
Prior to this clearance, concerns had mounted within the party following reports that the former governor reportedly failed to appear before the initial APC screening panel. This absence sparked murmurs among some party faithful and youth groups in Kogi Central, who vocalized warnings against any form of preferential treatment for aspirants, emphasizing the need for a level playing field. The situation had, at the time, fueled widespread speculation within APC circles regarding his eligibility and the potential for internal divisions within the Kogi chapter.
Sources privy to internal party discussions also hinted at a nuanced stance from incumbent Governor Ahmed Ododo, suggesting he was not entirely aligned with Mr. Bello’s senatorial ambition. This alleged discomfort was reportedly rooted in the complex political implications of the former governor’s ongoing legal battle with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Further allegations from these sources indicated that influential figures within the presidency were also uneasy about openly endorsing Mr. Bello’s bid, although no official confirmation was ever issued from Aso Rock. Attempts to get clarification from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga on the matter proved futile.
Mr. Bello, who presided over Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is currently facing prosecution by the EFCC on allegations involving approximately N80 billion. The nation’s foremost anti-graft agency has filed multiple charges against him, encompassing alleged money laundering, criminal breach of trust, and diversion of public funds during his tenure. The legal saga took a dramatic turn in April 2024 when the EFCC declared him wanted, eventually leading to his arraignment before the Federal High Court in Abuja after months of high-octane legal and political tussles surrounding his arrest. The commission contends that public funds were illicitly routed through numerous bank accounts and companies, subsequently used to acquire choice luxury properties in Abuja and other prime locations. Mr. Bello, however, vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that the charges are politically motivated. The case remains sub judice.
The senatorial primary in Kogi Central is poised to capture significant national attention, primarily because Mr. Bello’s eventual victory could set the stage for a compelling showdown with the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2027 general elections. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan recently declared her intention to seek re-election, citing overwhelming calls from her constituents and key PDP stakeholders across the district.
Beyond Kogi Central, political chess games are well underway in other senatorial districts. In Kogi West, incumbent Senator Sunday Karimi has emerged as the APC consensus aspirant, following a crucial stakeholders’ meeting chaired by Governor Ododo at the Government House in Lokoja. While six other aspirants, including political heavyweight and former senator Smart Adeyemi, and Aro Bamidele, were cleared by the screening committee, party insiders suggest that the consensus arrangement significantly bolsters Mr. Karimi’s position leading up to the primary.
Kogi East is also shaping up to be a hotbed of political activity, with seven aspirants cleared by the APC to participate in the senatorial primary. This formidable list includes the incumbent senator, Jibrin Echocho, Joseph Ameh, and former SDP governorship candidate, Murtala Ajaka. Mr. Ajaka recently transitioned from the Social Democratic Party to the APC after the 2023 governorship election in Kogi, a move followed by a widely reported reconciliation with former Governor Bello, a rapprochement brokered by Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni. This reconciliation signals growing political realignments and strategic positioning within Kogi East as the 2027 elections draw closer.
Meanwhile, the PDP has also concluded its own consensus arrangements for several House of Representatives seats across Kogi State. In the Okehi/Adavi Federal Constituency, former lawmaker Abdulrahman Badamasuiy secured the PDP ticket. Mohammed Etudaiye emerged as the party’s candidate for Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituency, while Lawal Idrisu clinched the ticket for Ajaokuta Federal Constituency.
For Kogi West, Abdulkadir Ibrahim secured the Lokoja/Kogi Federal Constituency ticket, with Femi Olubiyi emerging for Kabba/Bunu Federal Constituency, and Ibigbemi Samuel returned unopposed for Yagba Federal Constituency. In Kogi East, Abubakar Yahaya secured the ticket for Ankpa/Olamaboro/Omala Federal Constituency, while former lawmaker Okolo Benjamin emerged through affirmation for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency. Former Idah Local Government Chairman, Ukwenya Ogwu, also secured his ticket unopposed for Idah Federal Constituency.
Speaking after his emergence, Mr. Badamasuiy expressed gratitude to party members for the peaceful conduct of the selection process and pledged to attract meaningful development projects to his constituency if ultimately elected, underscoring the commitments often made by aspirants in Nigeria’s grassroots politics.
Originally sourced from Premium Times. This article has been rewritten for our readers.
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