Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Bashir Gegu, has warned that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) could lose the 2027 presidential election in Kogi if President Bola Tinubu sidelines former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Speaking during a local event in Kogi Local Government Area, Gegu stressed that Bello remains a critical pillar of APC’s strength in the state.
The audio clip of his speech which was shared on his Facebook wall stated thus,
“If former Governor Yahaya Bello is not in line with APC, I can tell you for free that APC will not win the election in Kogi State,” he declared.
He described the recent pro-Tinubu rally in Lokoja as a “show of appreciation” rather than a test of political loyalty, asserting that the people’s continued support for Tinubu depends heavily on Bello’s influence.
“Whether we do it or not, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win the 2027 election. But if Yahaya Bello is sidelined, it will be difficult for APC to win Kogi,” he cautioned.
Gegu praised Bello’s tenure for transforming the state’s governance and infrastructure, saying his political structure remains formidable across the three senatorial districts.
Political analysts interpret the statement as a subtle warning to the Presidency and the APC national leadership amid growing tensions between the former governor and some party figures in Abuja.
As 2027 approaches, the remarks underscore Yahaya Bello’s enduring grip on Kogi politics — and hint at potential cracks in the APC’s northern support base if internal reconciliation fails.
