2027: “APC will loose Kogi” – Yahaya Bello’s ally, Bashir Gegu declares as party crisis deepens

Political tensions are rising within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State following a controversial statement by Abubakar Bashir Gegu, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources and a staunch loyalist of ex-Governor Yahaya Bello.

In a viral video making rounds on social media, Bashir Gegu boldly asserted that the APC cannot win elections in Kogi without Bello’s active support.

“Let me tell you the truth  if former Governor Yahaya Bello is not standing with the APC, I assure you, the party cannot win any election in Kogi State,” he declared.

He went further, saying with conviction:

“I could bet with anyone  if Yahaya Bello directs his followers to move elsewhere, the APC will lose Kogi State completely.”

The remarks have ignited a political storm, sparking intense reactions among party leaders and observers. Many interpret the statement as an open challenge to both the APC national leadership and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senior figures within the party quickly downplayed Bashir’s comments, describing them as “misguided” and “overstated.” A top APC strategist in the state, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told newsmen in Kogi  that, “No individual, regardless of their influence, is greater than the APC structure in Kogi.”

According to insiders, the party believes President Tinubu’s national popularity and organizational strength are enough to secure victory in Kogi, even without Bello’s involvement. They view Bashir’s remarks as a sign of unease within Bello’s shrinking political circle.

Political commentators suggest that Gegu’s comments reveal the slow disintegration of Yahaya Bello’s once-powerful political network. “It’s more a reflection of desperation than dominance,” said a political analyst in Abuja. “Bello’s grip on Kogi politics has weakened significantly, and his camp is struggling to remain relevant.”

The recent Lokoja rally, criticized for exposing divisions within the state APC, has been cited as further proof that Bello’s influence is waning. Observers note that the Tinubu administration seems determined to dismantle the culture of political intimidation and personality-driven politics that previously defined Kogi’s leadership.

Sources close to the political developments told newsmen that Bello and one of his trusted aides are weighing the option of defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Though still unconfirmed, such a move could dramatically reshape Kogi’s political landscape.

“Bello’s team feels sidelined,” a source familiar