By Samuel Abasiekong-Abasiekong
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was absent from the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening exercise for aspirants seeking the party’s senatorial ticket for Kogi Central, a development that has stirred controversy amid his ongoing corruption trial and previous declaration as wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello, who is facing prosecution over alleged ₦80 billion fraud, money laundering, and criminal breach of trust, reportedly failed to appear before the APC screening panel alongside other aspirants who submitted themselves for the mandatory exercise.
Sources familiar with the screening process disclosed that while other contenders complied with party procedures, the former governor was nowhere near the venue, despite reports placing him in Lagos at the time.
His absence has triggered fresh criticism from youths in Kogi Central Senatorial District, who accused the ruling party of appearing ready to bend its rules for politically exposed figures facing serious legal battles, while other Nigerians with similar cases continue to face prosecution and judicial scrutiny.
In a statement, the group warned that granting preferential treatment to Bello could damage the credibility of the APC and send the wrong signal about accountability, transparency, and internal democracy within the party.
The youths further argued that no aspirant should enjoy special privileges, especially at a time when anti-corruption agencies are actively prosecuting public office holders and politically exposed persons over financial crimes.
They called on the APC national leadership and members of the screening committee to uphold the party’s guidelines without fear or favour, insisting that fairness and equal treatment must remain central to the party’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
