The All Progressives Congress has cleared 17 aspirants from Kogi State’s three senatorial districts ahead of Monday’s primary election, including former governor , who is currently facing multiple corruption charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Bello was listed among the approved aspirants for the Kogi Central Senatorial District despite earlier reports of internal concerns within the party over his eligibility and alleged absence from the screening exercise.
The former governor is currently standing trial in two separate cases involving alleged financial crimes totaling over N190 billion.
In one of the cases, the EFCC accused Bello of laundering N80.2 billion through multiple private accounts and luxury property acquisitions in Nigeria and Dubai. The matter is before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The anti-graft agency also filed another 16-count charge against Bello, accusing him and two others — Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu — of diverting N110.4 billion belonging to Kogi State. The case is being heard by Justice MaryAnne Anenih of the FCT High Court in Maitama, Abuja.
Bello has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty in both trials.
For the APC primary election, Bello is expected to compete against Momoh Yusuf Obaro and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke for the Kogi Central ticket in what political observers describe as a battle among influential blocs within the district.
In Kogi West, incumbent senator emerged through a stakeholders’ consensus meeting reportedly chaired by Governor at the Government House in Lokoja.
The consensus arrangement reduced internal competition despite the clearance of other aspirants, including former senator and Aro Bamidele.
Meanwhile, Kogi East will witness a competitive contest after seven aspirants, including incumbent Senator Isah Echocho, Joseph Ameh and Murtala Ajaka, were cleared for the primary.
Earlier reports had claimed Bello failed to appear before the APC screening panel, sparking criticism from some youths in Kogi Central who warned the party against granting preferential treatment to any aspirant.
The group expressed concern that allowing any aspirant to bypass the screening process could undermine confidence in the party’s internal democracy and transparency.
They urged the APC leadership to ensure fairness, equal treatment and strict compliance with the party’s screening guidelines during the selection process.
