Politics
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.
Nigeria’s African Democratic Congress (ADC) on Tuesday welcomed the Senate’s decision to reverse controversial provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill, calling it a victory for citizens driven by sustained public pressure.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said the move showed the impact of civic engagement and demonstrated that Nigerians could influence legislative outcomes when united.
“The decision of the 10th Senate to urgently reverse the contentious provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill is a significant victory for the Nigerian people,” Abdullahi said. “It demonstrates that when citizens act with unity, clarity of purpose and resolve, they can successfully challenge partisan interests.”
The party said the Senate’s reversal went beyond a routine legislative change and reflected growing political awareness across the country, citing street protests and online advocacy as key factors behind the decision.
ADC accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of repeatedly undermining democratic norms, adding that the latest development showed that citizens remained the ultimate custodians of Nigeria’s democracy.
While commending Nigerians for their persistence, the party urged continued vigilance, warning that the process was not yet complete.
“Nigerians must sustain the pressure until the amended bill is fully passed, assented to by the President, properly gazetted and becomes enforceable law,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC also cautioned against last-minute amendments or technical ambiguities that could weaken the intent of the legislation, stressing that democracy required constant public engagement.
Politics
2027 ELECTIONS: ATIKU, MAKINDE HOLD CLOSED-DOOR MEETING WITH EX-MILITARY PRESIDENT BABANGIDA
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday held a closed-door meeting with former Military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd) at the latter’s private hilltop residence in Minna, Niger State.
Atiku arrived shortly after 1:00 p.m. and was immediately ushered into a private session with the former leader. About 40 minutes later, Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde joined the ongoing meeting, sparking speculations of high-level political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Details of the discussions were not disclosed, but the presence of key political figures from different regions has intensified conversations about possible realignments, alliances, and strategic planning within the opposition camp.
Neither Atiku nor Makinde addressed journalists after the meeting. Sources at the residence described the discussion as “strategic and far-reaching,” suggesting that it was part of ongoing behind-the-scenes engagements among major political actors as the 2027 elections draw closer.
The development comes amid increasing political maneuvering and consultations among prominent figures in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, signaling potential shifts in alliances and election strategies.
Politics
HOPE PARTY SEEKS CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST INEC CHAIRMAN OVER ALLEGED DISOBEDIENCE OF COURT ORDERS
The Hope Democratic Party (Hope Party) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to initiate contempt proceedings against the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged failure to comply with subsisting court orders.
In a press statement issued by the party and signed by its Legal Adviser, Onofowode Adebayo, Esq., the party accused INEC of what it described as “selective obedience” to court rulings, alleging that the electoral body has ignored court orders restraining it from obstructing the operations and activities of the Hope Party as a duly registered political party.
According to the statement, the matter is scheduled to be heard on February 10, 2026, at the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja. The court is expected to consider why contempt proceedings should not be commenced against the INEC Chairman for allegedly failing, refusing, or neglecting to comply with a long-standing court order served on the commission.
The Hope Party further claimed that INEC has never appealed the order of perpetual injunction granted in its favour, yet has continued actions that allegedly undermine the party’s operations. The party also drew parallels with past disputes involving former INEC leadership and opposition political parties.
In addition to the contempt application, the party disclosed that it has filed motions urging the court to restrain INEC from engaging in further preparations for the 2027 general elections until all outstanding court orders are fully respected and complied with.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC has not publicly responded to the allegations. Efforts to reach the commission for comments were ongoing.