Protest erupts at APC national secretariat over Yahaya Bello’s senatorial ticket
Protesters from Kogi Central senatorial district today stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja over the senatorial ticket secured by Yahaya Bello.
The protesters, drawn from the five local government areas in the district, demanded the cancellation of the primary election and the conduct of a fresh exercise.
They alleged that the primary was marred by irregularities, including Bello’s alleged failure to appear before the APC screening committee.
They accused the former governor of organising a parallel primary involving only his supporters with the alleged backing of some officials at the party secretariat.
Speaking to journalists during the protest, the coordinator of the Kogi Central Movement, Comrade Usman Musa Adabara, said the process was flawed from the beginning.
The coordinator alleged that Bello ignored the screening committee because he would have been disqualified over his ongoing cases with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His words: “We are here to strongly express our opposition to the senatorial ambition of former Governor Yahaya Bello and to call on the APC leadership not to consider him for the Kogi Central Senatorial ticket. The protest before the public today is a call for conscience, accountability, and responsible leadership.
“A man surrounded by serious allegations, public distrust, and questions over his stewardship of Kogi State should not be rewarded with another opportunity to represent the people at the National Assembly. Kogi people deserve leaders with integrity, credibility, and respect for democratic processes.”
According to him, reports that Bello allegedly avoided the APC screening process had deepened suspicion and anger among party members and residents of the state.
The coordinator added: “Every aspirant is expected to face the process openly and honestly. Avoiding such scrutiny damages public trust and creates the impression that some individuals believe they are above party rules and above accountability.”
