Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has declared that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu does not need to campaign in Kogi State ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the All Progressives Congress (APC) faces no opposition in the state.
Bello made the remark on Saturday during a solidarity rally organized by the APC in Kogi State. The event, attended by top party officials and supporters, was aimed at reaffirming support for President Tinubu and Governor Usman Ododo.
Speaking before a cheering crowd, Bello assured the president that Kogi remains firmly loyal to the ruling party and would deliver overwhelming votes to the APC in the next election.
“Your Excellency, Mr. President, you don’t even need to come to Kogi State to campaign in 2027,” Bello said.
“Don’t stress yourself trying to campaign here for a second term. There is no opposition in Kogi State.”
The former governor, who described Kogi as the political “lion’s den” of the APC in the North Central region, said those challenging the ruling party in the state were insignificant compared to the massive grassroots support Tinubu enjoys.
“Those who are making noise somewhere have not seen the lion,” he added. “Congratulations, Mr. President. Every great nation must have a leader that people can rally around. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is that leader the one we will all continue to follow even after his second term in office.”
Bello’s comments highlight the dominance of the APC in Kogi politics since the party took control of the state in 2016. Under his leadership as governor, the APC consolidated its grip on power, winning both state and federal elections in successive cycles.
He credited President Tinubu’s leadership and policies for strengthening the party’s unity and appeal nationwide, particularly among young Nigerians and political stakeholders in Kogi.
“Kogi people are grateful for the president’s visionary leadership. We see the reforms, we feel the impact, and we are confident in his direction,” Bello said.
Bello’s declaration comes as the political atmosphere begins to heat up ahead of the 2027 elections, with President Tinubu expected to seek re-election. The statement also underscores the growing confidence among APC leaders who believe the president’s economic and governance reforms will translate into political gains.
President Tinubu, since assuming office in 2023, has implemented far-reaching policies such as the removal of fuel subsidies, the introduction of student loan programs, and the unification of the foreign exchange rate initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s economy for growth.
While these policies have sparked mixed reactions, party loyalists like Yahaya Bello argue that the president’s decisions are necessary sacrifices for long-term national progress.