Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has called on lawmakers from the state to unite behind Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s re-election bid in 2027, emphasizing the need for political stability and continuity.
Bello made the appeal during a Ramadan Iftar gathering, where prominent political figures, including members of the House of Representatives, the Deputy Majority Leader, Rt. Hon. Abdullahi Halims, and Hon. Leke Abejide of the ADC, as well as members of the Kogi State House of Assembly, converged to break their fast.
Bello: “Let Us Secure Ododo’s Second Term First”
While addressing the gathering, Bello urged the lawmakers to remain steadfast in their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and align with Ododo’s administration to ensure continuity in Kogi State’s governance.
“Collective effort and political stability are crucial for sustaining the developmental strides initiated during my tenure and ensuring continuity under the new administration,” he stated.
Bello stressed that Ododo’s re-election in 2027 should be the top priority, after which other political considerations could be addressed.
“Let us all join together and ensure Ododo’s re-election in 2027. After that, we will carry every other person along,” he reportedly told the lawmakers.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Halims reaffirmed their loyalty to both the former governor and the incumbent governor, pledging their continued support for the APC-led government.
Kogi West Stakeholders Kick Against Bello’s Political Moves
However, Bello’s comments have sparked reactions, particularly from political stakeholders in Kogi West, who accused him of trying to retain political control over the state at their expense.
A political stakeholder who spoke to The Bureau Newspaper criticized Bello’s statement, describing it as a ploy to sideline Kogi West in the state’s political structure.
“Yahaya Bello wants to hold onto power by all means without considering the people of Kogi West. The people of Kogi West are not fools. We must resist this very scam from Yahaya Bello.”
The development has further heightened political tension in the state, with growing debates on equity, power rotation, and political inclusion ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
