Ex-Governor Yahaya Bello Skips APC Senatorial Screening Amid Ongoing EFCC Trial

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, was absent from the screening exercise organised by the All Progressives Congress for senatorial aspirants in Kogi Central, even as he continues to face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦80 billion fraud.

Bello, who is standing trial on charges of money laundering and criminal breach of trust, failed to appear before the party’s screening panel, a mandatory step for all aspirants seeking the APC senatorial ticket.

Meanwhile, youths from Kogi Central Senatorial District have expressed concern over Bello’s absence, warning the APC leadership against granting any form of preferential treatment. In a statement issued on Monday, the group noted that other aspirants submitted themselves to the screening process while Bello was reportedly seen in Lagos during the exercise.

The youths cautioned that issuing clearance to any aspirant who did not personally appear before the panel would undermine the credibility of the party’s democratic process and breed distrust among members. They emphasised that fairness, transparency, and equal treatment of all aspirants are essential to maintaining confidence among party supporters in the district.

The group called on the APC national leadership and the screening committee to strictly adhere to the party’s rules, insisting that justice and internal democracy must guide the selection process.