The Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, created tension at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national headquarters before the inauguration of the new zonal officers. He arrived with supporters and security personnel, apparently to disrupt the event.
Bello’s arrival was followed by Kogi lawmakers from the Senate and House of Representatives. Although the National Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, and the National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, were absent, there were discussions among secretariat officials that Bello aimed to prevent the inauguration due to his nominee not being selected for the Deputy National Publicity Secretary position.
Bello’s nominee, Yahaya Ismail, lost the position to Hon Duro Mesoko, leading to Bello’s objection. Bello and his supporters met with Mesoko, urging him to resign immediately to avoid jeopardizing his political career in Kogi.
The Kogi State APC disassociated itself from Mesoko’s candidacy, claiming the selection of officers violated the party’s constitution. They called on the National Working Committee (NWC) to revert to the list ratified by the state chapter.
At the same time, reports surfaced that Ganduje had called a meeting and might address the media on the issue. The situation reflects conflict within the APC over the selection of zonal officers.