Yahaya Bello’s ordeals politically motivated – APC Youth alleges
The All Progressives Congress(APC) Youths Leaders Forum (AYLF), on Tuesday, alleged that the current ordeals of the former Kogi state governor are politically motivated.
The forum, in a statement by its President, Alhaji Abdullahi Danbaba, and Secretary, Dr Chike Ihedioha, said that Bello, who is an asset for the 2027 general election, is being a target by the enemies of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, Nigeria’s ruling party would require former Kogi governor Yahaya Bello’s political sagacity while planning for the 2027 elections.
The forum alleged that Bello was being singled out for persecution.
He said, “Those who contributed towards the development of the party and ensured victory for President Bola Tinubu are being persecuted.
“Fortunately, from records gathered so far, it is clear that the former governor has been on the side of the law. Since the beginning of his ordeals, he has been protected by the law.
“His achievements in Kogi are there for all to see; there have been many testimonies to this fact.
“We have also found out that people afraid of one thing or the other, ahead of the 2027 elections, are also sponsoring articles hiding under ‘dubious APC groups’ to discredit the former governor.
“The beauty of it all is that Nigerians are not fools. They can identify genuine claims,” it said.
The group called anti-corruption agencies to be wary of politically motivated petitions, adding that a recent statement credited to a youth group, which attacked Bello, revealed the identity of persons behind his ordeals.
“The achievements recorded in Kogi earned victory for the APC both at the presidential and governorship elections.
“The President should intervene so that individuals or groups seeking to sink the party do not succeed,” the group said.
Back story
The Informant247 had reported in April how EFCC had declared Bello wanted after he reportedly shunned a series of invitations and resisted arrest in his Abuja residence.
The statement reads, “It is our hope that the Commission will be as professional as necessary and respect his fundamental rights as a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Ohiare added that the details of Bello’s engagement with the anti-graft agency’s operatives would be disclosed later.
However, the former governor honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), saying the decision was made after consultations with his family, legal team and political allies.
Bello was standing 19-count charges in a trial bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of funds to the tune of N80.2 billion.
(NAN)
