Politics
Yahaya Bello skips APC senatorial screening amid fraud trial
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, reportedly failed to appear for the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise for aspirants seeking the party’s senatorial ticket for Kogi Central, sparking concerns over adherence to party guidelines.
Bello, who is currently facing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) over alleged ₦80 billion fraud, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust, was said to have been absent during the screening process conducted for all aspirants.
A source familiar with the exercise disclosed that Bello did not appear before the APC screening panel as required, even as other aspirants reportedly submitted themselves for evaluation.
The development has drawn criticism from youths in Kogi Central Senatorial District, who urged the ruling APC to ensure strict compliance with its internal rules and avoid granting special treatment to any aspirant.
In a statement, the youths expressed concern that Bello’s absence, allegedly while he was seen in Lagos, had raised tension among party members and questions about fairness in the process.
They warned that allowing exemptions or preferential treatment could undermine trust in the party’s internal democracy and weaken confidence among supporters.
The group called on the APC national leadership and screening committee to enforce its guidelines strictly, stressing that transparency, fairness, and equal treatment of all aspirants are essential ahead of the 2027 elections.

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