The last three days to the just concluded special convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) saw the emergence of a patriotic, pro-democracy advocate, Governor Yahaya Bello. He stood vehemently in defense of democracy when some anti-democratic persons tried to disenfranchise 22 presidential aspirants by coming up with a consensus candidate, Senate President Ahmad Lawan.
Governor Yahaya Bello showed rare and uncommon courage in the build up to the APC special convention to elect the party’s flagbearer for 2023 polls.
Though he didn’t come first, Yahaya Bello gave a good account of himself by not coming last, or polling zero delegate votes. His outing is heroic on many grounds.
Out of the 23 contending aspirants, Yahaya Bello was only outclassed by four – Senator Bola Tinubu, Hon. Rotimi Ameachi, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Senate President Ahmad Lawan. This is commendable.
Yahaya Bello came first among all serving Governors in the presidential primary election.
Well, he didn’t emerge presidential candidate, but his out is deserving of Vice Presidential ticket of our party, APC.
With every sense of patriotism, I make to say that it will be a masterstroke to consider the young, bright Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi state as Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s running mate.
Bello commands tremendous respect among youths and women across the nation.
A courageous and marketable brand, Yahaya Bello has carved a cult-hero image among many Nigerians.
With Bello on the ticket, APC is guaranteed victory at the polls and stability across the nation post-Buhari era. Bello is a unifier, a detribalized Nigerian and an exceptional patriot who will always put the interest of Nigerians above personal preference.
Also, the north cannot afford to a weak politician as Vice President under a southern President Bola Tinubu. Bello, a bold and uncompromising politician, will ensure northern interests are well protected.
In the 2023 equation, Bello cannot be overlooked, sidelined or ignored. He is the game changer.
– Abdulhamid Mohammed wrote from Lokoja.
