Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has firmly dismissed speculation that he intends to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement signed by Ohiare Michael, Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, the former governor discredited circulating campaign posters linking him to a 2027 presidential run, describing them as “false, misleading, and the handiwork of mischief-makers.”
“We categorically state that Alhaji Yahaya Bello has no presidential ambition for 2027,” the statement read.
“He remains committed to the re-election of President Tinubu, who has performed admirably despite global economic challenges. On merit, the President deserves the continued support of well-meaning Nigerians.”
Ohiare further noted that the poster in circulation was recycled from 2022 and reintroduced by detractors seeking to drive a wedge between Bello and the presidency.
“The banners still bear the 2022 date. It’s a desperate attempt to manufacture a crisis where none exists,” he added, calling it the work of “confused minds and political saboteurs.”
This clarification comes at a time when the political opposition is mobilizing to field a formidable candidate to unseat Tinubu in 2027. Sources indicate that camps loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP) and former Anambra Governor Peter Obi (Labour Party) are in active talks to iron out differences and possibly present a unified front.
Meanwhile, President Tinubu continues to receive strong backing from within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). At a recent APC policy summit, the President dismissed concerns about creating a one-party state and welcomed potential defections from opposition parties.
“I expect more to come,” Tinubu said. “That’s the nature of democracy—it guarantees freedom of association.”
The APC’s early declaration of Tinubu as its sole candidate for 2027 has raised eyebrows, given that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is yet to officially open the campaign window.
In response, the opposition has pushed back forcefully. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba accused the APC of lacking both moral credibility and sound governance.
“If the PDP is truly irrelevant as they claim, why are they poaching our members?” he asked, referencing recent defections.
PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and Board of Trustees Chairman, Senator Adolphus Wabara, emphasized that the final decision on who leads Nigeria in 2027 rests with the people—not governors or party leaders.
“The electorate, not a few governors, will decide Tinubu’s fate,” Wabara said. “The APC should focus on alleviating the suffering of Nigerians instead of political games.”
In a related development, a broad opposition coalition is beginning to take shape. A communique from the League of Northern Democrats (LND) revealed that former Governors Rotimi Amaechi and Liyel Imoke have been tasked with evaluating two strategic paths: registering a new political party or merging with an existing one.
Dr. Umar Ardo, convener of the LND, stated that both subcommittees have submitted their reports, and a final decision will be made on May 30.
“We are committed to building a viable political platform to challenge the APC in 2027,” Ardo declared.
“This includes forming alliances with other political groups and leveraging the strength of respected political leaders across the country.”
As Nigeria’s political terrain shifts in anticipation of the next general election, both ruling and opposition camps are consolidating their strategies for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2027 contest.
