Yahaya Bello Disowns APC Chairmanship Posters, Calls It Mischief by Political Detractors

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has firmly distanced himself from a wave of campaign posters bearing his image and declaring him a candidate for the National Chairmanship of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The posters, which recently appeared across strategic locations in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have sparked speculation about Bello’s next political move. However, the former governor has dismissed the development as the handiwork of political mischief-makers determined to tarnish his reputation.

In a statement released on Thursday by Michael Ohiare, Director of Yahaya Bello’s Media Office in Lokoja, the former governor categorically denied authorizing the posters or launching any campaign for the APC’s top job. Ohiare made it clear that neither Bello nor any member of his political team sanctioned the creation or distribution of the materials, which he described as embarrassing and deceitful.

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“Ohiare expressed shock at the reports suggesting that Bello had begun campaigning for the APC national chairmanship position. He called the posters an orchestrated attempt to drag the former governor’s name into unnecessary controversy. ‘They are at it again, having failed on many fronts in their desperate bring-him-down-at-all-costs mission,’ he stated.

He noted that while such antics have occurred in the past, the frequency and intent behind this latest episode made it necessary to break the silence. ‘Since this is not the first time mischief-makers have printed posters in his name, silence is no longer an option,’ Ohiare emphasized.

This statement reflects the former governor’s growing concern over what appears to be a deliberate effort to use false narratives to undermine his public image and loyalty to the APC leadership. Bello’s team views these posters not just as a political prank but as a targeted campaign to destabilize internal party dynamics by dragging his name into the leadership debate without consent.

Loyalty to APC and Tinubu Reaffirmed

Ohiare used the opportunity to reiterate Bello’s steadfast loyalty to the APC and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a committed party man who continues to support the party’s current leadership. “As a committed party man, his support for President Bola Tinubu’s leadership has never been in doubt,” Ohiare noted, suggesting that Bello remains focused on national progress under the current administration and has no immediate personal political ambitions.

Observers believe the appearance of the posters may be an attempt by political adversaries to sow seeds of discord within the ruling party or pit potential contenders against one another in anticipation of future leadership transitions. However, Bello’s swift disavowal of the posters may serve to calm any unintended tensions.

No Candidacy, No Campaign

Contrary to the implications of the posters, Yahaya Bello has not indicated interest in contesting for the APC’s national chairmanship. His media team has emphasized that he remains focused on contributing to the party’s unity and success from behind the scenes rather than seeking any leadership position at this time.

Furthermore, Ohiare appealed to the public and media outlets to exercise caution and verify such political claims before dissemination. “No one was authorised, directly or indirectly, to print or paste any poster on Bello’s behalf,” he stated, urging Nigerians to disregard the materials as part of a broader attempt to mislead and distract the public.

Political analysts have weighed in, noting that while internal power plays are not uncommon in Nigerian politics, publicizing unconfirmed aspirations through anonymous campaign materials only serves to deepen political mistrust. Yahaya Bello, having completed his tenure as governor, is widely regarded as a loyal APC figure, and any suggestion of his sudden ambition without public declaration would naturally raise eyebrows.

Poster Controversy Highlights Internal Party Tensions

Though the posters may have been unauthorized, their emergence has again stirred discussions about the APC’s leadership structure and future direction. With political realignments already taking shape ahead of the 2027 general elections, the race for influence within the party has become increasingly intense.

Whether the poster episode is the work of political saboteurs or overzealous supporters acting without approval, one thing is clear—Yahaya Bello is not entertaining any thoughts of APC national chairmanship, at least not at this time.

As Nigeria’s political terrain continues to evolve, such incidents underscore the importance of political clarity and personal accountability in managing public narratives. Bello’s camp has made its position unambiguous: there is no campaign, no candidacy, and certainly no ambition for the APC chair—only a deep commitment to party loyalty and national development.