The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cleared former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to contest the party’s senatorial primary for Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Bello’s clearance was confirmed after the APC National Assembly screening committee released the list of approved aspirants across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts.
The former governor’s name appeared among aspirants cleared for the Kogi Central Senatorial District contest, ending days of uncertainty over whether his ongoing corruption trial would affect his participation in the race.
Mr Bello is expected to contest the APC primary against Momoh Obaro and Ibrahim Adoke.
As earlier reported that the former governor reportedly failed to appear before the APC screening panel, triggering concerns among some party members and youths in Kogi Central who warned against preferential treatment for any aspirant.
The development had fuelled speculation within the party over his eligibility and possible divisions within the Kogi APC.
Sources familiar with internal party discussions had also suggested that Governor Ahmed Ododo was not fully aligned with Mr Bello’s senatorial ambition due to the political implications of his ongoing trial before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The sources alleged that influential figures within the presidency were uncomfortable with open support for Mr Bello’s bid, although no official confirmation was issued.
Efforts to obtain clarification from presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga at the time were unsuccessful.
The APC senatorial primary in Kogi Central is expected to draw national attention because Mr Bello may eventually face the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the 2027 election.
