Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has come under fresh political scrutiny after reportedly failing to appear for the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial screening exercise for aspirants contesting the party’s ticket in Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The screening, organised by the APC as part of its internal nomination process ahead of upcoming elections, was reportedly attended by other aspirants who submitted themselves for evaluation in line with party guidelines. Bello’s absence, however, has triggered debate within party circles and heightened political tension in the district.
The former governor is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations involving an alleged ₦80 billion fraud, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust. Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, Bello is still widely regarded as a significant political figure within the APC structure in Kogi State.
Sources familiar with the screening exercise disclosed that Bello did not appear before the party’s panel as required of all aspirants seeking clearance for the senatorial ticket. One of the contestants at the exercise confirmed that all other aspirants were physically present and subjected themselves to the screening process, except the former governor.
Reports further indicated that during the period of the screening, Bello was allegedly sighted in Lagos, raising further questions about his absence from the mandatory exercise.
The development has generated mixed reactions among party members and stakeholders, particularly within Kogi Central Senatorial District, where political competition for the APC ticket has intensified in recent weeks.
A coalition of youth groups in the district has expressed concern over Bello’s failure to participate in the screening process. In a statement circulated on Monday, the youths warned the APC leadership against granting preferential treatment or exemptions to any aspirant, insisting that all candidates must be subjected to the same internal rules and procedures.
According to the group, Bello’s absence has created uncertainty and tension among party supporters, with many questioning whether internal regulations are being applied fairly and consistently.
The youths stressed that the credibility of the APC’s internal democratic process depends on strict adherence to its established screening guidelines. They warned that any attempt to bypass due process could erode trust among party members and undermine confidence in the nomination exercise.
They further argued that fairness, transparency, and equal treatment of all aspirants remain essential principles that must be upheld to preserve unity within the party and strengthen its electoral prospects in Kogi Central.
Political observers note that the development could have wider implications for the APC’s internal cohesion in the state, especially as the party prepares for competitive elections. Bello’s influence within Kogi politics remains significant, but his ongoing legal challenges have continued to generate controversy around his political ambitions.
Meanwhile, the APC screening process is expected to continue in line with the party’s national guidelines, which require all aspirants to undergo vetting before being cleared for participation in primary elections.
Party insiders have not officially commented on whether Bello’s absence will affect his eligibility or if any special consideration will be granted. However, calls from grassroots members suggest growing pressure on the party leadership to enforce uniform standards without exception.
The situation has also revived broader conversations about internal democracy within political parties in Nigeria, particularly regarding how legal challenges and political influence intersect with nomination processes.
As the screening exercise progresses, attention remains focused on the APC leadership’s response and whether it will uphold strict compliance with its rules or accommodate exceptions for high-profile aspirants.
For now, the controversy surrounding Bello’s absence continues to dominate political discussions in Kogi Central, reflecting deeper tensions within the party’s local structure.
