Nigerians have taken to X to express outrage and disbelief after the Independent National Electoral Commission confirmed former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Kogi Central senatorial election.
Bello’s emergence has triggered heated reactions, with critics questioning how a former governor who is been facing corruption-related proceedings can seek election into the National Assembly.
The development has particularly drawn attention because the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has previously accused Bello of financial offences relating to his tenure as Kogi governor. Bello has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.
Reacting to the development, X user @ejikemichael8 wrote: “Kogi people will continue to suffer because of their low IQ. A state with a lot of raw materials is one of the underdeveloped states in Nigeria. And they’ll still elect criminals as governors and senators. I pity the people of Kogi state.”
Another user, @Adesina59597188, questioned the implication of Bello’s candidacy for the anti-graft fight, saying: “Shameless and shameful Nigeria. Can someone let EFCC chairman know that the person he vowed, on his personal honour including appointment, to bring to book for corruption is now gradually plotting his way to the highest law making arm of Nigeria state? They will rig him in.”
Similarly, @orujekwe1 reacted: “The most reason Nigeria will forever be a joke, if not make this make sense to me that a corrupt former governor is actually contesting for another position… we are actually in captive in this country.”
For @AskofBigshaq, the development represented what he described as a political system that protects those within the ruling establishment.
He wrote: “This is the structure they are talking about, structure of criminality, loot public funds and get away with it as long you are part of the ruling party, the so called EFCC should be ashamed of themselves.”
Another commentator, @Unachuk1Vitalis, questioned the roles of the electoral commission, anti-graft agency and the Presidency, writing: “Between INEC, EFCC and the Presidency, who handed Yahaya Bello the clearance to run for Kogi Central Senate Seat?
“Such irresponsible decision, is an irremediable disservice to the democratic ethos of our nation. Those behind such a dumb outcome have outraged the younger generation.”
He added in another post: “Politicians whose insatiable looting spree impoverished their states and our nation, will go down in the annals of Nigeria’s history, as nation destroyers and murderous elements of iniquity, whose eternal punishment before God, is an inescapable reality as the fresh air we breathe.”
@kolinwiskid also directed his criticism at the EFCC and APC, saying: “EFCC is the most useless & spineless organisation. What an embarrassment. APC politicians are just bunch of crooks.
“What do u expect when the most corrupt black man is leading the party. Nigerians either vote against them from top to bottom or not have a country to call their own.”
Meanwhile, @Hezekiah69619 sarcastically questioned whether Bello could eventually turn his attention to fighting corruption if elected.
He wrote: “He will fight corruption when he become a senator. Only God will judge this matter. Is this kind of position meant for the kind of people. Oh lord have mercy on us. Another man of kind being senator. Haba. Lord have mercy.”
Not all reactions focused solely on Bello. @omorgbej drew a comparison with former US President Donald Trump’s experience with investigations and electoral politics, arguing that being under investigation does not necessarily prevent a politician from contesting elections.
He wrote: “President Trump was under investigation but contested and won election. Yaya Bello is being persecuted as Orji Uzo Kaki and few others. However, Nigeria politicians are possibly the most shameless politicians worldwide. Really sad.”
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Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is seeking to move from the executive arm of government to the Senate, where he would represent Kogi Central if elected.
His candidacy has therefore placed renewed focus on the intersection of electoral eligibility, ongoing criminal proceedings and political accountability in Nigeria.
While critics argue that politicians facing corruption allegations should not be allowed to seek public office, the existence of allegations or pending criminal proceedings does not, by itself, amount to a conviction.
The legal and electoral question is whether a candidate meets the requirements prescribed by Nigerian law.
The controversy is now likely to make Bello’s Kogi Central Senate bid one of the closely watched political contests ahead of the 2027 elections.
