Last night, after the Argentina vs Spain match, I came across a post by one Siaka. He was threatening the APC National Secretariat for considering denying Yahaya Bello the Kogi Central Senatorial ticket and giving it to Obaro.
I had to laugh. Only a political novice would think of threatening the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress over a senatorial ticket.
Let us be factual. At this point, giving the Kogi Central ticket to Obaro instead of Yahaya Bello is not a risk for APC. It is a strategic advantage, a game changer.
Here is why:
Baggage vs Brand. Yahaya Bello has created more enemies for APC in Kogi State than allies. Today, across Nigeria, the name “Yahaya Bello” is cited as a case study in looting and abuse of public office. In political meetings, seminars, and even classrooms, discussions about corruption hardly end without reference to that name. To present such a figure as our senatorial candidate will not only damage APC’s chances. It will also undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s anti-corruption agenda and make it look insincere.
Violence vs Values. His style of politics centers on thuggery, intimidation, and election violence. He has little regard for the masses.
Handing the ticket to Obaro will douse tension, restore public confidence, and reposition APC in Kogi Central as a party of peace, order, and progress.
The Mood on the Ground. There is already widespread jubilation across Kogi State over the possibility that Bello may not get the ticket. That reaction speaks volumes. It shows that more people are beginning to trust APC again. It shows that more people are willing to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.
The Winning Formula for Kogi in 2027:
Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho – Kogi East
Senator Sunday Karimi – Kogi West
Obaro – Kogi Central
This combination can deliver Kogi State for President Bola Tinubu with over 90% of the votes. Yes, APC can win Kogi State convincingly without Bello.
Let us not forget 2023. Bello worked for Atiku, not for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Not one naira was released to Kogi East for logistics, yet the zone still delivered massively for Tinubu.
The truth is simple: Bello is not, and will never be, a threat to Tinubu’s chances in Kogi State.
The APC does not need threats. The APC needs strategy. The decision to zone the Kogi Central ticket to Obaro will be recorded as one of the wisest decisions this party will make ahead of 2027.
It is time to choose progress over problems. It is time to choose Obaro over baggage.
– Umar Isah (Radical) writes from Lokoja.
