I have carefully observed the growing political tension surrounding Yahaya Bello and his perceived interest in representing Kogi Central at the National Assembly, and one thing has become increasingly obvious: the sustained propaganda, media attacks, and coordinated criticisms against the former governor are largely driven by fear of his political strength, grassroots popularity, and enduring influence across Kogi State and beyond.
To me, the desperation with which some opposition figures and media platforms continue to target Yahaya Bello clearly shows that many political actors are uncomfortable with the reality that his political relevance has refused to fade even after leaving office. What many expected to be the end of his political dominance has instead transformed into a new phase of influence and growing acceptance among the people.
Across Kogi State, particularly within Kogi Central, it is evident that Yahaya Bello still commands unusual loyalty and admiration from a large number of people who believe his leadership changed the political narrative of the state. His emergence years ago as the youngest democratically elected governor in Nigeria represented more than just a political victory; it symbolized a generational shift that gave hope to many young people who previously believed leadership was reserved for a select few.
One of the major reasons opposition camps appear deeply unsettled today is because Bello built a formidable grassroots political structure that remains active, visible, and difficult to dismantle. Even out of office, he continues to dominate political discussions in Kogi State, a development many of his critics never anticipated.
I strongly believe that Bello’s political style, courage, and ability to connect directly with ordinary people remain part of the reasons his name continues to resonate across different political circles. His administration may have attracted criticism in some quarters, as is common in politics, but it also undeniably created political opportunities for youths, women, and previously marginalized groups who had long felt excluded from the power structure.
What is even more significant is the growing conversation around his possible entrance into the Senate. From my own political observation, this prospect is clearly generating anxiety among his opponents because they understand the kind of influence Yahaya Bello could command at the National Assembly.
With his national political network, experience in governance, and strong relationship within the ruling All Progressives Congress structure, I believe Bello could attract greater federal presence, infrastructural development, empowerment programmes, educational interventions, and stronger legislative bargaining power for Kogi Central.
I also believe that his understanding of grassroots politics and governance gives him a strategic advantage in representing the interests of the people effectively at the federal level. Love him or hate him, Yahaya Bello has built political visibility and influence that cannot simply be ignored in Nigeria’s contemporary political space.
It is therefore not surprising that attacks against him have intensified in recent months, especially around ongoing legal matters and political speculations. However, from my perspective, many of these narratives appear less about accountability and more about political calculations aimed at weakening his growing popularity ahead of future contests.
Ironically, the more these attacks continue, the more they seem to strengthen his visibility and reinforce the belief among his supporters that he remains one of the most formidable political figures to emerge from Kogi State in recent times.
The continuous propaganda against Yahaya Bello is not a sign that he is politically finished; rather, it is evidence that his opponents still see him as a major force capable of reshaping political equations not only in Kogi Central but also within the broader national political landscape.
Whether his critics accept it or not, Yahaya Bello’s name continues to command attention, stir conversations, and influence political calculations, and that, perhaps, is exactly what continues to unsettle the opposition.
– Comrade Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi writes from Okene.
