TheCable

The Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organisation says the Kogi governor is the best bet for the All Progressives Congress (APC) to retain the presidency in 2023.

In a statement on Friday, Yemi Kolapo, director, media and publicity of the campaign organisation, asked leaders of the ruling party not to sacrifice Bello’s winning attributes for “destructive politics”.

According to her, Bello’s achievements in Kogi state have earned him the support of Nigerian women and youths, which must not be ignored, considering their numerical strength.

She described the Kogi governor as a unifier and loyal ally who is ready to build on the achievement of the present administration.

“The stage is almost set for Nigerians to, once again, choose the leaders that will steer the affairs of the nation at all levels for another four years. But before the general elections, the struggle is within the parties, and in that regard, many have put their hats in the ring,” Kolapo said.

“The presidential race in the ruling All Progressives Congress is populated by known heavyweights in Nigeria’s politics. And in the next few weeks, depending on what the party decides, all aspirants that have had the courage to declare so far and those still preparing to do so, would have to jostle for just one ticket.

“On April 2, His Excellency, Governor of Kogi state, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, formally declared to run for the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023 under the platform of the APC. In his signature bold manner, the declaration ceremony at the Eagle Square, Abuja, has been described, even by unrelenting critics as the first-of-its-kind in Nigeria.

“This was even more significant because, while others veiled their declaration under other programmes, others afraid to test their popularity the way of Governor Bello settled for video recordings of their declaration speeches.

“The preference of Nigerians, regardless of tribe, religion or party affiliation, for a younger leader is also very clear. Of the pool of aspirants, as the country stands today, even across party lines, Governor Yahaya Bello is the best bet for the younger generation if this dream must be actualised.

“This consideration has made millions of youths across Nigeria resolve to put their numbers behind the governor, and this is verifiable with the number of active youths with PVCs currently on the Bello Ambassadors Network, Rescue Nigeria Mission, and Yahaya Bello Network, among many other support groups.”

The campaign spokesperson urged party leaders to rally round the Kogi governor in order to retain the presidency with a wide margin in 2023.