By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Uncertainty is mounting within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State as indications emerge that the party may sideline former governor, Yahaya Bello, from contesting the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Party insiders revealed that concerns over Bello’s ongoing case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) could significantly affect his chances of securing the APC ticket.
The development, it was gathered, has sparked internal debate among key stakeholders wary of the political implications of fielding a candidate facing legal scrutiny.
Sources within the party noted that while Bello retains a strong political structure in Kogi Central, the APC leadership may prioritize candidates without legal encumbrances to avoid jeopardizing the party’s image and electoral prospects.
“The party is weighing its options carefully. This is not just about popularity, but also about public perception and credibility ahead of 2027,” a party chieftain who spoke on condition of anonymity said.
The EFCC had earlier initiated legal proceedings against Bello over alleged financial mismanagement during his tenure as governor, a case that has continued to generate national attention and political tension.
Meanwhile, loyalists of the former governor insist that the allegations are politically motivated and maintain that Bello remains a formidable force in Kogi politics.
They argue that denying him the ticket could trigger internal crisis within the APC in the state.
As the race for the 2027 elections gradually takes shape, political observers say the APC faces a delicate balancing act between loyalty to influential figures and the need to present candidates capable of withstanding public and legal scrutiny.
Efforts to get an official response from the APC leadership in Kogi State were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
