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How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland ForumNairaland GeneralPoliticsHow Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles (7458 Views)

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How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by ogugwa1992(op): 3:52pm On May 24
A quiet but consequential political realignment appears to be unfolding in Kogi State, where politicians once identified as key allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential election are allegedly resurfacing as preferred figures within the power architecture of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

What initially appeared to be isolated political appointments and endorsements is now generating intense scrutiny across Kogi East and Kogi West, especially as preparations for the 2027 electoral cycle quietly begin.

At the center of the unfolding intrigue are Samuel Bamidele Aro and Joseph Erico — political actors widely believed to have played frontline roles in Atiku’s 2023 presidential mobilization in the state. Their sudden political resurgence within structures closely associated with former governor Yahaya Bello has triggered questions about hidden alliances, strategic infiltration, and possible long-term calculations ahead of 2027.

Political observers in Lokoja, Anyigba and Kabba say the development is difficult to ignore.

For many within the APC, the matter is particularly sensitive because Kogi politics during the 2023 general election was already shrouded in suspicion and conspiracy theories. Although the APC officially delivered the state to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the presidential election, persistent allegations circulated in political circles that elements within the Kogi power establishment were not fully committed to Tinubu’s candidacy.

Those suspicions were fueled by the political disappointment that followed Yahaya Bello’s failed presidential ambition after he lost the APC ticket to Tinubu. Bello had vigorously pursued the APC presidential nomination and built a nationwide political structure around his aspiration before the party eventually settled for Tinubu. Tinubu eventually lost the votes to Atiku in Bello's Kogi Central senatorial district.

Since then, whispers of “dual loyalty” have remained a recurring undercurrent in Kogi political discourse.

Now, the re-emergence of politicians associated with Atiku’s 2023 network is reviving old questions.

In Kogi West, Samuel Bamidele Aro is increasingly being mentioned in strategic APC conversations with the likelihood of taking the senatorial ticket from Sen Sunday Karimi. In Kogi East, Joseph Erico’s growing acceptance within influential blocs linked to the former governor has equally raised eyebrows among party loyalists who insist the APC should prioritize long-standing Tinubu loyalists rather than politicians perceived to have once worked against the party’s presidential interest.

An even more glaring concern is the emergence of Mr. Victor Onwuchola and Ogembe — both of whom flew the PDP flag in the 2023 elections and openly canvassed support for Atiku Abubakar against the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — now being allegedly favoured ahead of long-standing, loyal APC members in the Idah and Okene/Ogori-Magongo Federal Constituencies respectively.

Political observers are increasingly questioning the rationale behind what appears to be the surrendering of APC structures and platforms to individuals who stood firmly with the opposition only a short while ago. This development has fueled speculations and renewed allegations of an underlying political understanding between the Bello/Ododo political camp and remnants of Atiku’s 2023 political machinery.


The development has created a quiet ideological tension within the ruling party.

Some party insiders argue that politics is ultimately about interests, survival and coalition building, insisting that Bello may simply be consolidating influence across tendencies in order to maintain relevance in the state’s evolving power equation.

Others, however, see a more calculated agenda.

According to several APC stakeholders who spoke anonymously, the concern is not merely about rehabilitation of former Atiku loyalists, but about what such rehabilitation could mean for the future control of Kogi politics.

“People are asking whether this is coincidence or strategic positioning,” one senior APC member in Lokoja said. “You cannot ignore the fact that these individuals were identified with Atiku’s structure in 2023 and are now being projected within APC power circles.”

That perception has deepened speculation that certain forces may already be laying the groundwork for a broader political understanding ahead of 2027.

The suspicions are amplified by the fact that Kogi remains one of Nigeria’s most politically strategic states in the North Central, with its complex ethnic balancing and historical role as a battleground between major political blocs.

Analysts say whoever controls the APC structure in Kogi heading into 2027 could significantly influence not only senatorial contests but also presidential voting behavior.

For critics of the emerging trend, the question is straightforward: why are politicians associated with Atiku’s presidential machinery becoming increasingly comfortable within a structure supposedly built around Tinubu’s dominance?

Supporters of Bello, however, dismiss such arguments as paranoia.

They insist the former governor remains loyal to the APC and to President Tinubu, pointing to the party’s continued dominance in the state, including the emergence of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo after the 2023 governorship election.

Yet the political optics remain difficult to ignore.

Within the APC rank and file, there is growing unease that ideological lines are becoming blurred, and that political convenience may be overtaking party fidelity. For many loyalists, the fear is that Kogi could become a staging ground for subterranean alliances that may only become visible when the 2027 presidential contest fully crystallizes.

Whether the return of Bamidele Aro and Joseph Erico represents mere political reconciliation, tactical coalition building, or an early sign of deeper realignments tied to Atiku’s future ambitions remains unclear.

But one reality is becoming increasingly evident in Kogi politics: yesterday’s opponents are rapidly becoming today’s preferred insiders.
https://leaders.ng/2026/05/24/how-atiku-men-are-finding-safe-haven-in-kogi-apc-power-circles/

Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by jeff1993: 7:08pm On May 24
Hmmm n. Power realignment

Atiku will never know what HIT him cos when it becomes the turn of the north, another person will take his space in APC or NDC
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by iwaeda: 7:09pm On May 24
Let me laugh ahead of the men. grin grin grin grin
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by nurey(m): 7:11pm On May 24
While the country is bleeding all these people are concerned with is grabing power. Well who no know go know
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by AMI3(m): 7:12pm On May 24
That is just the beginning.
Every opportunity shall be properly utilize to make sure this evil party are being sent back to where the came from.
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by DeltaBachelor(m): 7:14pm On May 24
Hmmm. It is next year na. It is not far again
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Tareq1105: 7:20pm On May 24
jeff1993:
Hmmm n. Power realignment

Atiku will never know what HIT him cos when it becomes the turn of the north, another person will take his space in APC or NDC
After Tinubu, one of the APC northern states Gov will get the ticket in 2031 neither Atiku nor kwakwaso would come close.
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by McLizbae: 7:23pm On May 24
So long a nonsense to read.
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Mccullum: 7:45pm On May 24
That means Tinubu is gaining more ground in Kogi State..
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Seeplusplus: 7:49pm On May 24
Na arrogance go kpai Atiku last last.

He'll be shocked when Ameachi will emerge victorious
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Starhearts: 7:50pm On May 24
AMI3:
That is just the beginning.
Every opportunity shall be properly utilize to make sure this evil party are being sent back to where the came from.
Did u go tru d news at all.

D money wey dem use send u go skool supposed used built poultry farm
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by zionstaar75(m): 7:58pm On May 24
Starhearts:
Did u go tru d news at all.

D money wey dem use send u go skool supposed used built poultry farm
gbam wantedtosaythesamething!
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Gotocourt: 8:08pm On May 24
Emilokan will go and buldoze them now cheesy
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by sleek214(m): 8:20pm On May 24
Nice one from Atkinson. Politics is not social media noise
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Oricha79(m): 8:20pm On May 24
Nonsense write up, what is the meaning of all this?
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by sleek214(m): 8:21pm On May 24
jeff1993:
Hmmm n. Power realignment

Atiku will never know what HIT him cos when it becomes the turn of the north, another person will take his space in APC or NDC
Go through the news again
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by sleek214(m): 8:22pm On May 24
Seeplusplus:
Na arrogance go kpai Atiku last last.

He'll be shocked when Ameachi will emerge victorious
Go through the news again, this time slowly
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Drsnives(m): 8:48pm On May 24
jeff1993:
Hmmm n. Power realignment

Atiku will never know what HIT him cos when it becomes the turn of the north, another person will take his space in APC or NDC
The man really miss calculated.. assuming he supported Jona..he would have definitely been the next in line but his greed and quest for power didn't allow him
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Drsnives(m): 8:50pm On May 24
Tareq1105:
After Tinubu, one of the APC northern states Gov will get the ticket in 2031 neither Atiku nor kwakwaso would come close.
Ex governor, I won't say his name but he's the one on board after Tinubu
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Prince111111: 9:31pm On May 24
Starhearts:
Did u go tru d news at all.

D money wey dem use send u go skool supposed used built poultry farm
you really need to go through the whole post again and understand it
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by ENEO(m): 9:33pm On May 24
The governor knew he will not be given the 2nd term opportunity. Hence he's preparing his way to decap into PDP when he's been denied the opportunity.
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by AcadaWriter0: 10:31pm On May 24
Let's just have a quick look at this, right?
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Tobimayor: 10:33pm On May 24
Kogi west senatorial was very funny.
Re: How Atiku Men Are Finding Safe Haven In Kogi APC Power Circles by Successlane: 9:13am On May 25
All about PERSONAL interest.

I wasted my data reading through people's personal ambition which are quite irrelevant to me
1 Reply

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