We write this open letter with a deep sense of responsibility to the political future of Kogi Central and the integrity of leadership within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, has long moved beyond local or senatorial politics. He has emerged as a national political figure and a leading voice of the APC from Kogi State. After serving two terms as Governor, he went on to contest the APC presidential primary, positioning himself clearly on the national stage.
It is therefore politically regressive and strategically misguided for certain political miscreants to now drag him into a Senate race, a position far below the political pedestal he currently occupies.
More importantly, this is a position he personally discouraged others from contesting in 2023, when he endorsed Engr. Sadiku Ohere over the incumbent Senator Yakubu Oseni, effectively denying Oseni the opportunity for re-election. It would be contradictory and politically damaging for Yahaya Bello to now seek the same seat.
Those advancing the idea of “compensating” Former Governor Yahaya Bello with a senatorial ticket are not doing him any favour. Instead, they are laying the foundation for political instability and disunity in Kogi Central ahead of 2027.
Yahaya Bello Must Play National Politics
Yahaya Bello, CON, should continue to operate at the national political level, not retreat backward politically. He has built leaders across Kogi State and beyond, including members of his own political family. His role now should be to mentor, mobilize, and build more leaders, positioning himself strategically for a future presidential contest in 2031, when power is expected to return to the North.
Anything short of this would undermine his political pedigree and years of calculated leadership.
Equity and Justice in Kogi Central
Historically, Okene Local Government Area has produced a significant number of senators, including:
Senator Engr. Sadiku Ohere
Senator Ahmed Ogembe
Senator Nuru-Deren Abetemi
Senator Salihu Ohize
Senator A.T. Ahmed (of blessed memory)
Senator Abonyi Obaro (of blessed memory)
Given this history and the current political balance, it is neither equitable nor just to again field a senatorial candidate from Okene LGA in 2027.
Appeal to Engr. Sadiku Ohere
We respectfully call on Engr. Sadiku Ohere to shelve his senatorial ambition until 2031, God willing. He has already earned the distinguished title of “Senator”, which will forever remain part of his legacy and be recorded among those who represented Kogi Central in the Red Chamber.
As a gentleman and statesman, this is an opportunity for him to rise above personal ambition and be seen as a father figure who believes in equity and justice. We urge him to support a credible candidate from old Okehi, rather than seek a recontest.
Path to Victory for APC
There are capable, loyal, and trustworthy politicians from Okehi and Adavi Local Government Areas who can effectively represent Kogi Central. If the APC, under the leadership of His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, truly desires victory in the senatorial election, the party should anoint a candidate from this axis.
This approach will promote unity, fairness, and strengthen the APC’s grip on Kogi Central.
Final Position
Former Governor Yahaya Bello, CON, must not succumb to political pressure from those who seek to diminish his stature and ridicule his political journey. His legacy is national, and his future lies in national leadership.
Signed:
DR. Habeeb Onukaba
President
Ebira Peace Project Movement.
