Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has firmly denied having any intention to contest for the presidency in 2027, declaring his unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Director, Michael Ohiare, Bello expressed deep shock and dismay over a misleading video circulating online. The video, which resurfaced from a 2022 political rally, falsely suggested that Bello had launched a new presidential campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ohiare clarified that the rally in question took place in 2022 and had no connection with the current political climate. “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,” the statement read.
He further emphasized the former governor’s strong belief in President Tinubu’s leadership, citing the administration’s achievements despite global economic challenges. “The indices cannot lie. The president and his team have done exceedingly well for the country. On merit, he deserves the support of well-meaning Nigerians,” Ohiare added.
Describing the resurfaced video as “a senseless post by a confused, witless mind,” the media director accused detractors of intentionally spreading misinformation to discredit Bello and cause political tension. He noted that the original footage clearly bore the 2022 date, which should have made it evident that it was not a current event.
Ohiare lambasted those behind the video for continuously targeting Bello with falsehoods in a desperate attempt to create a rift between him and President Tinubu. “It is not the first time detractors and their co-travellers would fly absolute falsehood with the aim of setting the former governor against President Tinubu,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant against such deceptive tactics and to disregard content aimed at stirring up unnecessary political drama. “Nigerians should be wary of witless persons who concoct stories without thinking, just to satisfy the interests of their paymasters,” Ohiare concluded.
The statement positions Yahaya Bello as a loyal supporter of the Tinubu administration and distances him from any current or future presidential ambition.
