The Kogi APC Renaissance Forum has cautioned the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yiltwatda, against what it described as actions capable of embarrassing the party through the appointment of individuals with questionable public records to sensitive party assignments.
The group’s reaction follows the appointment of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, as a member of the 2025 Osun State APC Governorship Primary Election Committee.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Adejo Emmanuel, the Forum described the appointment as “disgraceful and unacceptable,” arguing that the party has many credible members who could have been entrusted with such a critical responsibility.
According to the group, the choice of Bello, who is currently facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged diversion and misappropriation of Kogi State funds, undermines the moral standing of the party.
The statement referenced ongoing cases involving alleged sums of ₦80.2 billion and a ₦110 billion, 16-count fraud charge before the Federal High Court and the FCT High Court, noting that the former governor has become “a cautionary tale” in the fight against corruption.
The Forum further argued that Bello’s inclusion in the committee compromises the anti-corruption drive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which it said has recorded significant recoveries of stolen public funds through the EFCC.
“This appointment does not only expose the party to ridicule by opposition parties,” the statement read, “but also places a huge moral burden on the APC by creating the impression that the party fraternizes with individuals facing serious criminal charges.”
The group warned that such actions could erode public confidence in the APC and cast the party in a negative light before Nigerians.
The Kogi APC Renaissance Forum also advised the National Chairman not to be “intimidated or deceived” by the former governor, asserting that Bello lacks the political capacity to deliver meaningful electoral value to the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Forum called on the party leadership to uphold integrity, credibility, and public trust in its internal processes, especially in matters of strategic political importance.
