OKENE, NIGERIA — Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed confidence that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will receive strong support in Kogi State during the 2027 presidential election, declaring that the APC’s prospects in the state are “as good as done.”
Bello made the remarks on Friday during a homecoming event in Kogi Central, where supporters and APC stakeholders gathered to welcome him back to the district ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.
The former governor, who is the APC candidate for the Kogi Central senatorial seat, said the turnout reinforced his confidence in the party’s grassroots structure.
Bello Declares Support For Tinubu
Speaking to journalists, Bello said he had no doubt that his supporters remained committed to the APC and would support Tinubu and other party candidates.
“I have never doubted that my people are with me 100 per cent. I have never doubted that my people are supporting APC 100 per cent,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the continued support of Kogi residents for Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Bello said the APC had demonstrated what he described as commitment to infrastructure and the delivery of democratic dividends, arguing that voters would consider those issues when making their choices in 2027.
He subsequently addressed Tinubu directly, saying he was confident the president would receive strong backing in Kogi.
“I want to assure Mr President that the Kogi State election, and the election of Kogi Central in particular, is as good as done 100 per cent for APC,” Bello said.
Homecoming Draws APC Supporters
The homecoming attracted APC members and supporters from the five local government areas that make up Kogi Central.
Bello described the reception as “organic,” “inborn” and “inherent,” while thanking party members and supporters for turning out to welcome him.
Former Kogi APC chairman Abdullahi Bello also addressed the gathering, describing the turnout as evidence of support for the former governor.
He said APC members across Kogi Central were prepared to mobilise behind Bello in the senatorial election.
The event therefore served both as a homecoming for the former governor and as an opportunity for APC stakeholders to publicly demonstrate support for his senatorial bid.
Bello’s Senate Ambition Faces Court Challenge
Bello emerged as the APC candidate for Kogi Central Senatorial District after winning the party’s May 18, 2026 primary with 72,399 votes.
However, his candidacy is facing a legal challenge. Aspirant Momoh Yusuf Obaro has challenged the outcome of the primary at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The court has fixed November 19, 2026, for judgment in the case, according to reports.
Bello nevertheless used the homecoming to reaffirm his confidence in the APC’s support base and his own prospects in the senatorial contest.
Opposition Parties Discuss Coalition
Bello’s comments came as opposition parties continue consultations over possible cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
PRP National Chairman Hakeem Baba-Ahmed recently said his party was involved in discussions with opposition groups, including the ADC and NDC, as well as other parties.
He said the coalition discussions had not produced a final decision on whether the participating parties would eventually field separate presidential candidates or support a single candidate.
“All our options are on the table,” Baba-Ahmed said, adding that the parties were examining legal and political limitations arising from the fact that several parties already have presidential candidates.
He said the PRP was continuing preparations for its own campaign structure while participating in the wider discussions.
2027 Contest Takes Shape
The contrasting developments illustrate the different approaches emerging ahead of the 2027 elections.
While Bello has publicly projected continued APC support in Kogi, opposition parties are discussing possible forms of cooperation that could shape the presidential contest.
For now, Bello’s remarks represent his assessment of the political situation in Kogi and his expectation of support for Tinubu and APC candidates.
The election itself will ultimately be determined by voters when Nigerians go to the polls in 2027.
