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Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised concerns over the alleged politically motivated persecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They claim that certain influential party members are behind the ongoing legal action against Bello, aimed at undermining his political influence.
The APC Youth Leaders Forum (AYLF), a network representing youth leaders from across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), voiced their dissatisfaction on Monday. They questioned why a prominent party figure who has contributed significantly to the party’s success, including securing President Bola Tinubu’s election, is now facing what they describe as undue harassment.
In a joint statement signed by the National President of the AYLF, Alhaji Abdullahi Danbaba, and National Secretary, Dr. Chike Ihedioha, the youth leaders accused certain party figures of using the 2027 elections as a motive to discredit and sabotage Bello, claiming their actions are driven by personal ambitions for future political offices.
The AYLF, which has been at the forefront of mobilizing and organizing youth for the APC since its formation, expressed that Bello’s actions as governor were within the law, with many of his achievements in Kogi State widely recognized.
“The evidence of his achievements in Kogi State speaks for itself,” the statement noted. “However, those targeting him through the EFCC seem to be ignoring the real culprits who deserve investigation and attention.”
The youth leaders also highlighted that instead of rewarding loyal party members who played crucial roles in the APC’s recent electoral victories, they are now being persecuted, branding them as criminals. This, they say, is a dangerous precedent that could damage the party’s unity and credibility.
“We have reliable information that the persistent persecution of Yahaya Bello by the EFCC is politically driven, with certain individuals nursing ambitions for the 2027 elections,” the statement continued. “Rather than recognizing his contributions, those behind these attacks are trying to tarnish his reputation.”
They also pointed out the case of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that he too is being targeted by these same forces within the party.
The youth leaders called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and prevent the further erosion of the party’s integrity by those with personal vendettas and political agendas. They urged the withdrawal of all politically motivated petitions before the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies, emphasizing that these actions were undermining the APC’s future.
“Let the EFCC carry out its duties independently, without being used to settle political scores by influential party figures,” they concluded.
