‘I won’t contest against Tinubu’ — Yahaya Bello distances self from viral campaign videos

Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi, says he would not run against President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

In a statement issued on his behalf on Friday by Michael Ohiare, his media director, Bello described a viral video from a 2022 rally as misleading.

According to the statement, the post, which claimed Bello had started campaigning against Tinubu, was fabricated by mischief makers.

“While we state categorically, that our principal, Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we want to also stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027,” the statement reads.

“The indices cannot lie. The President and his team have done exceedingly well for the country, despite global challenges. On merit, he deserves the support of well-meaning Nigerians.

“Nigerians should disregard the mischievous post insinuating a fresh presidential support rally as what it is – a senseless post by a confused, witless mind.”

Ohiare said the banners in the video clearly showed it was an event held in 2022.

“The fabricators forgot that the 2022 dates are boldly written on the banners on display. Yet, they expect reasonable people not to see this as the handiwork of detractors,” he said.

He added that this was not the first time falsehood had been used to create friction between Bello and Tinubu.

The media aide said detractors have repeatedly tried and failed to tarnish the image of the former governor.

“But this latest slant of reposting a 2022 rally afresh and insinuating that it is just happening, connotes nothing but sheer mischief,” he said.

“Nigerians should be wary of witless persons who concoct stories without thinking, just to satisfy the interests of their paymasters.”

He added that the post was a desperate bid to create a crisis where none exists.

On Thursday, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) formally endorsed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 presidential election.

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo state and chairman of the forum, announced the decision at the party’s summit in Abuja.