Yahaya Bello Wins Kogi Central APC Senate Ticket: A Landslide Victory and Its Implications for 2027
The political landscape of Kogi State shifted decisively on Monday as former Governor Yahaya Bello secured the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial ticket for Kogi Central, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in the 2027 general elections. The direct primary election, conducted across all five local government areas of the district, delivered a resounding mandate for Bello, underscoring his enduring influence in the region.
Election Results: A Commanding Victory
The Returning Officer, Dr. Sadiq Mohammed, announced the results at the collation centre in Okene, describing the exercise as orderly, transparent, and credible. According to the official tally, Bello polled an overwhelming 72,399 votes, dwarfing his closest rivals. Ibrahim Adoke managed just 319 votes, while Momoh Yusuf Obaro trailed with 188 votes. The margin of victory—over 72,000 votes—reflects not only Bello’s political machinery but also his deep-rooted support across the district.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized that Bello recorded victories in all five local government areas, a feat that demonstrates his broad appeal. Here is a breakdown of the results by local government area:
- Adavi Local Government Area: 18,341 votes
- Ajaokuta Local Government Area: 10,298 votes
- Ogori Local Government Area: 5,146 votes
- Okehi Local Government Area: 8,943 votes
- Okene Local Government Area: 29,621 votes (his strongest base)
The total of 72,399 votes, Dr. Mohammed noted, confirmed a clear and decisive mandate for Bello, reflecting the party’s commitment to internal democracy and peaceful conduct during the primary election.
Context and Significance: Why This Victory Matters
Yahaya Bello’s victory is not merely a routine primary win; it is a statement of political resilience and strategic positioning. As a former governor who served two terms (2016–2024), Bello has maintained a formidable political network in Kogi State, particularly in the Central senatorial district, which is his home base. His ability to mobilize voters across all five local government areas—especially in Okene, where he secured nearly 30,000 votes—highlights his grassroots organization and the loyalty of his supporters.
This primary win positions Bello as the APC flagbearer for the Kogi Central senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. The seat is currently held by Senator Abubakar Ohere, who is also a member of the APC. However, Bello’s entry into the race signals a potential shift in the district’s political dynamics. Analysts suggest that Bello’s candidacy could consolidate APC support in Kogi Central, but it may also create internal party friction if other aspirants feel marginalized.
Practical Implications for the 2027 Elections
For the APC, Bello’s nomination is a double-edged sword. On one hand, his popularity and campaign infrastructure could help the party retain the seat. On the other hand, his controversial tenure as governor—marked by allegations of financial mismanagement and human rights abuses—could become a liability in the general election. The opposition, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is likely to weaponize these issues in their campaign.
For voters in Kogi Central, Bello’s victory means a continuation of the political style and patronage networks that defined his governorship. His supporters argue that his experience and connections will bring development and federal attention to the district. Critics, however, warn that his leadership could entrench a culture of impunity and political dominance.
What This Means for Internal Party Democracy
The primary election was conducted via a direct system, where party members voted directly for their preferred candidate. Dr. Mohammed’s description of the process as orderly and credible is significant, given the history of intra-party disputes in Nigerian politics. Direct primaries are often seen as more democratic but can be logistically challenging and prone to manipulation. In this case, the APC appears to have managed the process effectively, which could boost the party’s image ahead of the general election.
However, the lopsided results—with Bello winning over 99% of the votes—raise questions about the competitiveness of the primary. While it is possible that Bello’s support is genuinely overwhelming, such margins often invite scrutiny. Were other candidates given a fair chance? Were there allegations of vote-buying or intimidation? The official narrative suggests a smooth process, but independent verification would be valuable for transparency.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2027
With the APC ticket secured, Yahaya Bello now turns his attention to the general election. His campaign will likely focus on his record as governor, emphasizing infrastructure projects, youth empowerment, and security initiatives. He will also need to address the controversies that dogged his tenure, including the 2020 #EndSARS protests in Kogi and the reported killings of opposition figures.
The PDP and other opposition parties are expected to field strong candidates, potentially including former Senator Dino Melaye, who has a significant following in the district. The battle for Kogi Central will be one of the most closely watched races in the 2027 elections, as it will test the strength of Bello’s political machine against a potentially united opposition.
For now, Bello’s victory in the primary is a clear signal that he remains a dominant force in Kogi Central politics. Whether he can translate that dominance into a Senate seat—and what he will do with it—remains to be seen.
This article is based on reporting from the Daily Nigerian. All credit goes to the original article. For more information, read the: Source link