APC, PRESIDENCY KEEP DISTANCE AS EFCC TRIALS ISOLATE YAHAYA BELLO POLITICALLY 

Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Presidency have distanced themselves from former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello as he faces multiple corruption trials involving sums exceeding ₦200 billion, CAPITAL TIMES can report.

Mr Bello is currently standing trial in two separate cases instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial crimes totalling ₦190.6 billion.

In addition, his relative, Ali Bello  who serves as Chief of Staff to the incumbent Kogi State governor, Ahmed Ododo  is also being prosecuted over alleged misappropriation of ₦10.2 billion.

The EFCC is prosecuting the former governor and two others before a Federal Capital Territory High Court on a 16-count charge of criminal breach of trust involving ₦110.4 billion.

A separate case bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of ₦80.2 billion is being heard at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Ali Bello is facing a separate 16-count charge of alleged money laundering and diversion of public funds before the Federal High Court.

Taken together, the cases linked to the former governor involve alleged financial crimes exceeding ₦200 billion.

Party insiders told CAPITAL TIMES that the APC leadership and the Presidency have deliberately avoided associating closely with Mr Bello in order to prevent accusations of political protection or interference in the judicial process.

Mr Bello, who completed his tenure in January 2024, has reportedly sought to retain political relevance within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, including lobbying for a ministerial appointment and roles within the party’s national structure.

However, multiple sources said such efforts have gained little traction.

His name was conspicuously absent from key APC committees, including bodies involved in preparations for the party’s forthcoming national convention and recent campaign structures in the Federal Capital Territory.

A senior APC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, said the party was acting to safeguard its public image.

“We do not want to create the impression that the APC is a refuge for individuals facing serious allegations. The integrity of the party is critical,” the official said.

The source added that President Tinubu has shown sensitivity to corruption-related issues and public perception, citing previous decisions to remove senior officials accused of misconduct.

“The allegations against Yahaya Bello are weighty. The President prefers that he answers to them without any form of political interference,” the source said.

Last month, a Federal High Court temporarily released Mr Bello’s international passport to enable him to undertake a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia — a decision that attracted criticism from sections of the public.

However, sources familiar with the matter said the temporary release of the travel document would not affect the substance or pace of the ongoing trials, as the former governor is expected to continue appearing in court as proceedings advance.