Hundreds of angry protesters from Kogi Central on Wednesday stormed the national secretariat of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja to oppose the participation of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the recently concluded APC senatorial primaries in Kogi Central.
The protesters, carrying placards and chanting anti-Bello slogans, accused the former governor of violating the party’s constitutional procedures and dragging the APC into controversy.
They called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) and President Bola Tinubu not to allow Bello emerge as the APC senatorial candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, the group’s spokesperson, Musa Adabara, alleged that Bello ignored due process and was attempting to undermine the values and legacy of the ruling party.
According to Adabara, Bello failed to appear before the APC senatorial screening panel ahead of the primaries, claiming that the former governor travelled to Lagos instead of participating in the exercise.
He said Bello only returned to Abuja after the screening had already ended.
“We are here as concerned citizens of Kogi Central and loyal APC members to reject impunity, criminality and disregard for due process in our party,” Adabara said.
He further alleged that Bello deliberately avoided the screening exercise because of fears surrounding investigations by the EFCC, ICPC and other security agencies over corruption allegations linked to him.
The protesters urged the APC leadership to stop Bello from “destroying the principles and image” of the party.
They also appealed to President Tinubu not to risk the APC’s chances in the 2027 elections by allowing Bello secure the party’s senatorial ticket.
According to the group, presenting Bello as the APC candidate could damage the party’s reputation and weaken public confidence in the ruling party.
The protesters argued that the APC had already suffered politically in the past due to internal crises and controversial figures, warning that repeating similar mistakes could further hurt the party’s future electoral fortunes.
Adabara maintained that Kogi people were rejecting criminality and any attempt to bypass lawful party procedures.
“Yahaya Bello is widely known for disregarding the principles and constitution of the APC. Opposition parties and many Nigerians are already mocking the party over the possibility of fielding candidates facing serious allegations,” he said.
The protesters called on the APC leadership to ensure transparency, fairness and strict adherence to party guidelines in the selection of candidates for future elections.
