By SUNTV Global Channel
May 20, 2026
Hundreds of protesters from Kogi Central on Wednesday besieged the national headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, rejecting the participation of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, in the recently concluded APC senatorial primaries for Kogi Central.
The demonstrators, carrying placards and chanting anti-Bello slogans, accused the former governor of allegedly violating the party’s constitutional procedures and dragging the ruling party into controversy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protesters called on the APC National Working Committee (NWC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent Bello from emerging as the party’s senatorial candidate, warning that such a move could damage the image of the APC and weaken public confidence in the party.
Speaking during the protest, the group’s spokesperson, Musa Adabara, alleged that Yahaya Bello failed to participate in the APC senatorial screening exercise conducted before the primaries.
According to Adabara, Bello reportedly travelled to Lagos State instead of appearing before the screening panel and only returned to Abuja after the exercise had ended.
“We are here as concerned citizens of Kogi Central and loyal APC members to reject impunity, disregard for due process, and actions capable of destroying the principles upon which our party was built,” he said.
The protesters further alleged that Bello avoided the screening exercise because of fears linked to investigations and allegations involving anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).
The group warned the APC leadership against allowing what they described as “controversial political figures” to represent the party in future elections, insisting that such decisions could negatively affect the APC’s chances in 2027.
Adabara added that many residents of Kogi Central are demanding transparency, fairness, and strict compliance with party rules in the selection of candidates.
“Yahaya Bello is widely known for disregarding the principles and constitution of the APC. Opposition parties are already celebrating the possibility of the APC presenting candidates facing serious allegations,” he stated.
The protesters urged the APC leadership to protect the integrity of the party by ensuring all aspirants follow lawful procedures and internal democratic processes.
As of the time of filing this report, the APC leadership and Yahaya Bello had not officially responded to the protest.
