May 11, 2026 | Abuja, Nigeria
By SUNTV Global Channel Political Desk
Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has reportedly boycotted the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial screening exercise for aspirants seeking the party’s ticket in Kogi Central, sparking fresh controversy within the ruling party.
Bello, who is currently standing trial before the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged ₦80 billion fraud, money laundering and criminal breach of trust, was absent during the mandatory screening exercise organised by the APC.
Sources familiar with the process disclosed that other aspirants appeared before the screening panel, while Bello allegedly failed to honour the exercise despite being one of the major contenders for the senatorial ticket.
The development has triggered outrage among some youths in Kogi Central Senatorial District, who accused the party leadership of planning to grant special treatment to the former governor.
In a statement released on Monday, the youths warned the APC against compromising its internal democratic process by clearing any aspirant who failed to personally appear before the screening committee.
According to the group, Bello was allegedly spotted in Lagos while the screening was ongoing in Abuja, raising concerns among party loyalists and supporters across the district.
The youths insisted that fairness, transparency and equal treatment must be upheld, stressing that granting waivers or preferential treatment to any aspirant could damage the credibility of the party ahead of future elections.
Meanwhile, political tension continues to build within APC circles as supporters await the party’s final decision on the controversial screening process.
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