APC Faction Slams Bello’s Appointment to Osun Primary Committee, Cites Corruption Allegations
A prominent faction within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State has strongly condemned the recent appointment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the 2025 Osun State Governorship Primary Election committee. The group, identifying itself as the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum, has publicly urged the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yiltwatda, to immediately reverse this decision, arguing that it sends a deeply concerning message to party faithful and the wider public.
The forum’s spokesperson, Adejo Emmanuel, issued a statement detailing the group’s profound disappointment and outright rejection of Bello’s inclusion. Emmanuel highlighted the perceived incongruity of appointing an individual facing significant corruption charges to a committee tasked with a critical electoral responsibility.
“It is unacceptable,” the statement read, “that despite the abundance of credible individuals within the APC who possess the integrity and capability to undertake such a crucial and noble responsibility – that of producing the party’s flag bearer for the Osun Governorship Election – it is former Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello who has been selected.”
The forum pointed to Bello’s ongoing legal battles, specifically mentioning his prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of diverting and misappropriating Kogi State funds amounting to N80.2 billion. Furthermore, Bello faces an additional N110 billion fraud charge, spread across 16 counts, being heard before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court and Justice Maryanne Anenih of the FCT High Court. The group argues that appointing Bello to this committee directly contradicts the administration’s stated commitment to fighting corruption.
“This appointment by the National Chairman not only embarrasses the party and subjects it to ridicule in the eyes of opposition parties but also represents a significant moral burden,” the statement continued. “It paints the party in a very negative light before Nigerians, bringing the APC into disrepute and fostering the false assumption that, under the leadership of Professor Nentawe Yiltwada, the party fraternizes with alleged criminals facing trial.”
The Kogi APC Renaissance Forum emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, through the EFCC, has demonstrably recovered billions in stolen funds intended for national economic growth and development. Therefore, they argue, Bello’s appointment undermines these efforts and sends a contradictory message about the party’s anti-corruption stance.
The group further advised the National Chairman against being swayed or misled by Bello, whom they characterized as lacking the capacity to deliver even his own polling unit for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
Calls for Rescission and Party Integrity
The core demand of the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum is the immediate removal of Yahaya Bello’s name from the 2025 Osun State Governorship Primary Committee. They view this as a necessary “damage control” measure to safeguard and preserve the integrity of the APC. Their ultimate goal is to ensure the party can conduct a credible primary election that will select a strong and reputable candidate to represent them in the Osun Governorship election.
The forum stressed that the credibility of the primary election is paramount for the party’s broader success and public perception. By associating with individuals facing serious corruption charges, the party risks alienating voters and undermining its own electoral prospects. The appointment, they believe, has the potential to create a significant hurdle for the APC in Osun State and nationally.
The statement concluded with a strong appeal to the National Chairman to prioritize the party’s reputation and its commitment to good governance over any perceived political expediency. The group hopes that Professor Yiltwatda will heed their concerns and take decisive action to uphold the APC’s stated values and principles.
