Yahaya Bello Denies 2027 Presidential Ambition, Reaffirms Support For Tinubu

Former Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello has dismissed speculations suggesting he is preparing to contest the 2027 presidential election against President Bola Tinubu, stating he has no such ambition and remains firmly committed to the president’s re-election.

Bello made the clarification in a statement released on Friday and signed by his media director, Michael Ohiare, in response to a video circulating online that misrepresents a 2022 political rally as evidence of a fresh presidential campaign.

“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 read.

Bello expressed shock over the reposted video, calling the claims it promoted both mischievous and misleading.

“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,” the statement continued.

Ohiare described the video as a “senseless post” crafted by “a confused, witless mind”, pointing out that the 2022 date is clearly visible on the banners featured in the footage.

“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 accused political adversaries of launching a “bring-him-down-at-all-costs” campaign against Bello, emphasizing that similar false narratives have been circulated in the past to create division between Bello and President Tinubu.

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

Ohiare urged the public to be cautious of “witless persons” spreading fabricated stories to mislead Nigerians and manufacture conflict where none exists.

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

— (NAN)