Former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Friday said he would not be running against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, making it clear that he has no presidential ambition.
This comes after a video from a 2022 political rally resurfaced on social media, falsely suggesting that Bello had launched a fresh campaign against the sitting president. Bello, through his media director, Michael Ohiare, dismissed the claim, calling it misleading and dishonest.
In a statement issued to the public, Ohiare said, “While we state categorically, that our principal, Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we want to also stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027.”
He further noted that President Tinubu had performed creditably since taking office and that it would be unfair to twist outdated content for political mischief. “The indices cannot lie. The President and his team have done exceedingly well for the country, despite global challenges. On merit, he deserves the support of well meaning Nigerians,” the statement read.
Ohiare urged Nigerians to ignore the false reports, pointing out that the video in question clearly showed “2022” on the banners and posters seen in the clip. He said the individuals behind the post were bent on creating unnecessary tension and confusion by spreading outdated materials.
“These fabricators forgot that the 2022 dates are boldly written on the banners on display. Yet, they expect reasonable people not to see this as the handiwork of detractors,” Ohiare added.
He described the post as the work of desperate individuals trying to cause a rift between Bello and President Tinubu, adding that this was not the first time such attempts had been made.
Ohiare also noted that Yahaya Bello remains firmly in support of President Tinubu’s administration and has no interest in running for president. “Nigerians should be wary of witless persons who concoct stories without thinking, just to satisfy the interests of their paymasters,” he said.
He concluded by warning the public to remain alert and not fall for such schemes aimed at misleading citizens and stirring division.
