The immediate-past Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has dismissed a viral video purporting to show a fresh political rally to drum support for his 2027 presidential ambition, describing the post as “senseless” and the handiwork of “confused, witless detractors.”
In a strongly worded statement signed by the Director of the Yahaya Bello Media Office, Ohiare Michael, the former governor clarified that the footage being circulated was from a 2022 rally ahead of the 2023 presidential election, and not a recent event. The statement accused mischief makers of deliberately attempting to mislead Nigerians by reposting old footage with a false narrative.
“Our attention has been drawn to another senseless post by mischief makers, who have no other job than to fabricate falsehood and disseminate same to mislead unsuspecting Nigerians,” the statement started.
“They have tried so hard in their ‘bring-him-down-at-all-costs’ mission against the immediate-past Governor of Kogi State… but have always failed woefully,” the statement read.
The media office noted the development was not the first attempt by people it called detractors to sow discord between Yahaya Bello and President Bola 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 our President, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” it added, calling the latest attempt “insanity.”
The office also pointed out that the rally banners clearly bear 2022 dates, further discrediting the false impression that the event was recent.
“In their desperate bid to create crisis where there is none, they forgot the 2022 dates written boldly on the banners on display,” the statement noted.
Addressing speculations about Bello’s political ambition, the media team categorically denied that the former governor has any intention of running for president in 2027.
“Our Principal… has no 2027 presidential ambition,” the statement clarified, adding that Bello remains committed to President Tinubu’s re-election.
Commending President Tinubu’s administration, the statement said, “The indices cannot lie. The President and his team have done exceedingly well for the country, despite global challenges.”
The media office urged Nigerians to “disregard the mischievous post,” branding it as “a senseless post by a confused, witless mind.”
LEADERSHIP reports that Bello’s rebuttal came on the heels of serial endorsements of President Tinubu for the 2027 election by various organs and blocs within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
