“We Will Teach Them What Coalition Really Means” — Yahaya Bello Dismisses ADC Alliance, Reaffirms Support for Tinubu
By Julius Abel
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has downplayed the relevance of the recently announced coalition of opposition parties led by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing it as a political stunt that lacks structure and genuine grassroots strength. Speaking at a grand reception rally in Itedo Isanlu, where several prominent political leaders rejoined the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bello declared that “We are the real coalition” and vowed that the APC would demonstrate what true political unity and structure look like.
“Some people are talking about forming a coalition. We will teach them what a real coalition looks like. This gathering today in Yagba is a clear testimony that the APC remains the only formidable force across Nigeria,” Bello stated.
His comments come in the wake of a much-publicized ADC-led alliance aimed at challenging the dominance of the ruling APC ahead of the 2027 elections. However, Bello dismissed the move as unserious and lacking national appeal.
Bello Backs Tinubu, Says the President Holds the People’s Mandate
In a passionate reaffirmation of loyalty to the APC and its leadership, Yahaya Bello declared unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as the legitimate holder of Nigeria’s popular mandate.
“President Tinubu holds the mandate freely given to him by the people of this country, and he is governing in their best interest. No noise from the opposition will change that. Nigerians can already see the difference in his leadership,” he affirmed.
Bello emphasized that despite challenges, the Tinubu-led administration remains focused on economic recovery, national security, and strengthening democratic institutions — all while consolidating the APC’s dominance across the geopolitical zones.
APC’s Show of Strength in Kogi West
The event in Yagba served as a powerful display of the APC’s consolidation in Kogi West. Governor Usman Ododo formally received Hon. Samuel Bamidele Aro and several influential politicians — including Hon. T.J. Faniyi, Hon. Abdulganiyu Salaudeen, Hon. Iyabo Owoniyi, Engr. Kayode Adegbayo, Commodore Folusho Daniel (Rtd), Hon. Makinde Oyebode, Hon. Simon Ibikunle Idowu, Edward Meseko, Christopher Oni, and others — back into the party. The returnees pledged full support for the Governor’s developmental agenda and the APC’s mission at both state and federal levels.
Governor Ododo, in his address, reassured the people of Yagba of his administration’s commitment to security, peace, and infrastructural development, while thanking former Governor Bello for building a resilient political structure.
“With leaders like Yahaya Bello guiding the APC in Kogi, we are not just united — we are unstoppable,” Ododo stated.
Calls for Yahaya Bello as APC National Chairman
The rally also saw open calls for Yahaya Bello’s elevation to National Chairman of the APC, with several party leaders praising his political pedigree, strategic leadership, and unwavering loyalty to the party.
House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, said:
“Yahaya Bello has proven time and again that he is a political commander-in-chief. His national influence is growing, and the APC will benefit greatly from his kind of leadership at the top.”
Ododo 2027: A Movement Taking Shape
Chants of “Four More Years for Ododo” echoed throughout the venue, reflecting growing grassroots support for the Governor’s second-term ambition. Party faithful described Ododo as a dependable leader building on the solid foundation laid by his predecessor.
The massive turnout and enthusiastic support at the rally reinforced APC’s dominance in Kogi West and sent a strong message to opposition parties: the APC coalition is alive, tested, and unshakably united.