Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has dismissed claims suggesting he is nursing a presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections, describing such reports as false and misleading.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Media Director, Michael Ohiare, Bello said he remains fully committed to the re-election of President Bola Tinubu and has no intention of contesting against him.
The clarification follows the circulation of a video purportedly showing Bello launching a 2027 campaign rally. The video, however, was from a 2022 event.
“While we state categorically that our principal, Yahaya Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we also stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu,” the statement read.
“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.”
Ohiare described the viral post as a deliberate attempt by mischief makers to sow discord between Bello and President Tinubu, noting that the original 2022 date is clearly visible on the banners in the video.
“Nigerians should disregard the mischievous post insinuating a fresh presidential support rally—it is nothing but the handiwork of detractors,” he added.
He accused political opponents of orchestrating the smear campaign in a bid to damage Bello’s reputation, asserting that such efforts have consistently failed.
“This is not the first time these detractors and their allies have peddled blatant falsehoods in a bid to pitch our principal against President Tinubu. But this latest attempt—reposting a 2022 rally as though it just happened—is sheer mischief,” Ohiare said.
He urged Nigerians to be cautious of those who spread fabricated stories to stir unnecessary political tension.
