₦airaland Forum

The former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, visited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, at his Abuja residence on Thursday afternoon.

Bello was accompanied by his successor and current Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo.

The visit was disclosed in a statement by the minister’s spokesman, Lere Olayinka, on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

While no official reason for the visit has been provided, there is speculation that it may be an attempt to forge new alliances with key members of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet.

chatinent:
Politicians would always purchase crowd and film it to deceive the electorates as if they are loved.

As Nigeria braces for the 2027 presidential election, the political landscape under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is unraveling in ways that suggest a dramatic decline in support for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across key states, including Kogi and Kaduna. Political betrayals, alleged politically motivated prosecutions, worsening economic hardship, and a growing sense of disenchantment among the electorate have created a volatile storm that could cost Tinubu and his allies the presidency.

Tinubu’s Political Chess Game

According to inside stories, President Tinubu’s strategic politicking reportedly involved leveraging Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to thwart Nasir El-Rufai’s ministerial ambitions. Bello was allegedly asked to influence Senator Sunday Karimi who opposed El-Rufai's nomination during the Senate’s screening, citing national security concerns. This move deepened cracks in APC's northern bloc.

However, Bello’s ambition to seek APC’s national chairmanship reportedly irked Tinubu, prompting a swift response. Soon after, the EFCC intensified probes into Bello's financial dealings, signaling political retribution.

By the time the dust settled, El-Rufai was sidelined, Bello politically weakened, and Tinubu’s influence strengthened. Critics view it as a masterclass in power play, underscoring Tinubu’s deft control of party politics and his readiness to neutralize allies and rivals alike.

The Tumult in Kogi: Persecution or Politics?
The EFCC’s trial of Yahaya Bello, the combative and influential outgoing governor of Kogi State, is being widely perceived as a calculated political persecution. Many observers tie the saga to Bello’s refusal to step down for Tinubu during the contentious APC presidential primaries in 2023. Bello’s bold presidential bid showcased his significant political clout and his ambition to emerge as a national leader—a stance that deeply rattled Tinubu’s camp.

Even after the primaries, Bello remained defiantly independent, withholding full-fledged support for Tinubu’s campaign in ways that created quiet but palpable tension. When Bello later aimed for the APC National Chairmanship following Tinubu’s inauguration, it was seen as a further challenge to the president's consolidation of power. This ambition was swiftly quashed, and the subsequent EFCC investigations into Bello’s financial dealings are viewed by his ardent supporters as deliberate retaliation. The timing and intensity of the scrutiny, when juxtaposed with the impunity enjoyed by other APC powerbrokers, lend credibility to claims of selective justice.
Bello’s Deep Political Roots
Yahaya Bello’s influence extends far beyond Kogi State. His wide-reaching network, cultivated through strategic relationships with youth leaders, Northern elites, and grassroots organizations, makes him a potent force in Nigerian politics. Despite his polarizing image, Bello commands unyielding loyalty in Kogi, where he has constructed a formidable political machine. This network has grown even stronger with the election of his loyal protégé, Usman Ododo, as governor. Ododo’s victory ensures that Bello remains a central player in Kogi politics, a situation that complicates Tinubu’s hold on the state.

With Ododo’s administration deeply aligned with Bello’s vision, Tinubu faces a significant hurdle in rallying support from Kogi’s political base in 2027. This reality is amplified by the popular perception that Bello is being unfairly targeted by a government he helped bring to power.

Kaduna’s Chaotic Rift
Kaduna, once a bastion of APC dominance, has also descended into political turmoil. Nasir El-Rufai, the fiery former governor and erstwhile Tinubu loyalist, was denied a ministerial appointment under controversial circumstances, a move many saw as a betrayal. This decision has fractured the APC in Kaduna, with El-Rufai’s loyalists viewing Tinubu’s administration as insincere and exclusionary.

Meanwhile, Kaduna residents grapple with surging insecurity and economic hardship, issues that Tinubu’s administration has failed to address effectively. The dissatisfaction is fueling the opposition, particularly the PDP, which is capitalizing on the discontent to make inroads in the state.

Northern Politicians’ Plot to Unseat Tinubu

A brewing rebellion within the North poses one of the gravest threats to Tinubu’s reelection bid. Many Northern politicians, including influential governors, traditional rulers, and grassroots leaders, are reportedly plotting to unseat the president in 2027. Tinubu’s perceived favoritism toward the South-West and his inability to adequately address Northern insecurity, economic deprivation, and infrastructural decay have alienated key powerbrokers in the region.
High-level meetings among Northern elites suggest a coordinated effort to undermine Tinubu’s dominance. Discussions are reportedly underway to rally support around a consensus Northern candidate who can unite the region’s vast voting bloc. This strategy, reminiscent of the tactics used in previous elections, could fracture the APC and give the opposition a decisive advantage.

Opposition Unity: A Growing Threat
While the APC struggles with internal divisions, the opposition is showing signs of unprecedented unity. Leaders from the PDP, Labour Party, and other smaller parties have been meeting discreetly to strategize on how to oust Tinubu. Their focus is on building a formidable coalition that can capitalize on widespread discontent with the APC.

Key figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso are reportedly considering a unified front, setting aside personal ambitions to prioritize removing the APC from power. This coalition-building effort, combined with grassroots mobilization, is poised to present Tinubu with his toughest challenge yet.

Economic Despair and Political Disillusionment
Under Tinubu, Nigeria’s economy has faced catastrophic challenges. Inflation has soared to unprecedented levels, the removal of subsidies has left citizens reeling, and the devaluation of the naira has pushed millions into deeper poverty. These economic woes, coupled with the APC’s perceived failure to provide meaningful relief, are eroding trust in the party’s ability to govern effectively.

Political betrayals within the APC, ranging from Bello’s marginalization to El-Rufai’s exclusion, have added fuel to the fire. Former allies who were instrumental in Tinubu’s ascent are now disillusioned, with many quietly plotting to undermine his reelection bid.

#### **The Gathering Storm for 2027**
If Tinubu fails to reconcile with figures like Yahaya Bello and Nasir El-Rufai while addressing the economic and security concerns of the North, he risks losing not only Kogi and Kaduna but also the presidency. The growing unity of the opposition, coupled with the discontent among Northern politicians, is a clear warning sign for the APC.

The 2027 election is shaping up to be a referendum not just on Tinubu’s presidency but on the APC’s ability to manage Nigeria’s fragile democracy. Without urgent and meaningful action to address grievances and heal fractures, the APC may face an electoral debacle that spans far beyond Kogi and Kaduna, threatening its very existence as Nigeria’s ruling party.

Leadership is often seen as a fragile bridge of trust; built with vision, maintained with integrity, and, most times, tested by the actions of others. His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is an example of the strength needed to overcome such tests. His leadership in Kogi State broke barriers, empowered ordinary people, and set a "New Direction" for governance. Yet, it was not without its share of betrayals, challenges, and eventual redemption.

From the beginning of his administration, Bello’s leadership was focused on empowering the average Kogite. He broke away from the old system of privilege, and gave opportunities to those who might never have had a chance to rise to prominence. By trusting these individuals with important responsibilities, Bello redefined governance and opened doors for many.

This vision brought beautiful results. Many of those Yahaya Bello empowered became successful leaders, and proved his ability to recognise and nurture potential. Their success is a product of his uncommon foresight that hasn't been talked about enough. However, not all could handle the weight of responsibility. Some misused the trust given to them, and turned it into a means to serve themselves instead of the people.

These individuals worked to protect their new positions by creating a false image of loyalty. To the public, they were not fair in their dealings most times, but they tried to appear as dedicated servants with no fault. But to their principal, they reported a distorted version of events and provided proofs that aligned with their stories. They treated Bello’s kindness as a personal treasure to keep for themselves.

For a time, they managed to mask their intentions and seemed indispensable, but their actions slowly began to undermine the ideals of the administration. Too many lies were told to and against their principal to uphold a status quo that they established. But, how could they think it would go unnoticed forever?

As the saying goes, the truth always comes out. Over time, their real value began to fade, and their betrayals came to light. While they failed to notice their declining relevance, the "New Direction" government continued its work in building a secure, prosperous, and united Kogi State. Bello, always watchful, saw through the games being played, and prepared for the key decision of choosing a successor.

The question of succession brought its own set of challenges. As the New Direction government matured, the good, the bad and the ugly within the administration sought to take over leadership. Some believed their closeness to Bello gave them the right to succeed him, while others relied on the influence they felt they had built. Yet, Bello had always said that his choice would go beyond personal loyalty and focus on what was best for Kogi State.

In a bold and unexpected move, Bello endorsed His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, as his successor. This decision surprised many and was met with resistance from some quarters. Those who had played their games now acted like victims, and claimed they had been unfairly treated. But Bello’s decision was clear; it was about securing the future of Kogi State, not pleasing individual ambitions.

When Ododo took office, there was doubt about whether Bello’s decision had been right or wrong. Critics questioned his capability, and those who felt betrayed spun a narrative to discredit him. The ethnic and emotional cards that accompanied the 2023 Kogi State gubernatorial made it easy for them to push their narratives on the common man, but Ododo’s early achievements already proved them wrong.

His performance silenced critics and keeps setting a high standard for leadership in Kogi State. Who said those who could manipulate the emotions of Kogites for long and even play their own principal to take a fall would have ever come close to this?

Ododo’s leadership strengthened the foundations of the "New Direction" government. By keeping its principles alive and adding fresh ideas, he has shown his commitment to the welfare of all Kogites. His practical approach to governance has improved the state and changed public perception, proving Bello’s decision was the right one. However, not all lessons from the "New Direction" era have been fully learned, as His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, continues to face challenges, even beyond his time in office.

Loyalties can quickly shift in politics. It won't be wrong to say some of those who once benefited from his leadership have now turned against him, working with outside forces to damage the legacy they once saw as theirs too. These former allies, believing they know Bello better than anyone else, have used their insider knowledge to try and weaken the system he built. But, knowing Bello like they claim, should make them understand that he won't break.

Driven by a sense of entitlement, these individuals have tried to destabilise Bello’s influence. They fail to understand that the success of the "New Direction" government was never dependent on them alone but on shared values of service, unity, and progress. Teaming up with outside forces, they have shown an unwillingness to let go of the power they once enjoyed. But, will they ever enjoy the trust of average Kogites again?

Did they tell their new allies and the EFCC that, even as they work against him, Bello remains firm. As he holds onto the principles that guided his leadership and the progress he achieved for Kogi State, I wish he could get to do a tell-it-all about these individuals someday.

The claims of victimhood made by those who tried to undermine Bello’s benefaction are now losing ground completely. Their efforts look hollow against the successes of Ododo’s administration. Without the influence they once held, their relevance has faded, and Bello’s vision remains the driving force behind Kogi State’s progress. Thank you His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello for setting Kogi on the path to greatness.

The most striking result of this story that I will keep telling whoever cares to listen is how Ododo’s success has confirmed Bello’s legacy. The achievements of his administration have silenced critics and proved the enduring strength of the values of service and strong will.

His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello's leadership is one that has been tested by dishonesty and strengthened by wise choices, and it's a definition of what true governance means. He is a leader who focused on the collective good rather than personal gain, and he ensured the values of his administration would last beyond his time in office with the blessing in the "Chief Servant of Kogi State", His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.

In the end, it's not just about the achievements of Bello's "New Direction" administration, but about the lasting principles that guided it and the impact it will have on tomorrow. The ability to tower above betrayal and focus on the greater good has left a lasting mark on Kogi State. Time will tell the real Bello’s story as one of a will too strong in the face of betrayal, and the strength to keep mute and watch the oppressor play the victim cards.

In leadership, as in life, it is not the games people play that define us but the choices we make in response to them. Thank you, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for those choices have secured your place as a builder of leaders in the history of Kogi State. Thank you for all that you have given.