Ahead of the scheduled inauguration of the new officers of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NWC), Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, made an unexpected appearance at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Accompanied by his supporters, Governor Bello entered the party secretariat, leading to questions about the purpose of his visit.

In the hours following Governor Bello’s arrival, several Kogi lawmakers from both the Senate and the House of Representatives were also observed joining him at the party secretariat….CONTINUE READING

Speculation arose that Governor Bello’s presence might be an attempt to disrupt the impending inauguration. An insider conveyed to Punch that Governor Bello and the incoming lawmakers were potentially aiming to prevent the inauguration from taking place.

The insider stated, “Bello and the arriving lawmakers seem to have a singular intention — to thwart the scheduled inauguration.

We are well aware that his preferred candidate, Yahaya Ismail, a former Special Adviser on Water Resources in Kogi, was replaced by Hon Duro Mesoko for the Deputy National Publicity Secretary position.”

The source further noted, “Last night, Bello was seen with Ganduje. Despite the explanation that Mesoko’s appointment was intended as compensation for Hon James Faleke’s withdrawal from the Kogi governorship primary and for not being included in Tinubu’s ministerial list, Bello remains adamant about not accepting this arrangement.”

Governor Bello’s presence reportedly created unease among supporters of Mesoko. They remained with Mesoko at the media center and encouraged him to remain composed in anticipation of the swearing-in.

During the wait, an emissary summoned Mesoko for a private meeting with the governor. Following the closed-door discussion, the delegation emerged from the secretariat expressing dissatisfaction with the proposed deal.

A supporter of Mesoko revealed, “The governor and the lawmakers were pressuring him during the meeting. They questioned why he didn’t decline the appointment when offered.

Mesoko firmly asserted that he deserved the position due to his contributions at the state level and to the party’s success under Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”

According to the supporter, “Governor Bello’s team warned Mesoko that if he persisted with his stance, he should be prepared to resign immediately or risk harming his political future in Kogi. Despite the pressure, we advised him not to be coerced into making a decision and left the premises.”