Update: The Race For APC National Chairman
Kogi's Turn: How Yahaya Bellows Track Record Positions Him for APC Chairmanship
By Nda Aaron
The coast is now clearer for Kogi State to clinch the exalted position if zoned to North Central, following the recent appointment of Senator Tanko Almakura as Chairman of UBEC. Here's how the North Central States stand:
1. Benue State: The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) hails from Benue, but there isn't a former active APC Governor from the state.
2. Plateau: Failed to deliver APC/Tinubu in 2023.
3. Nasarawa State: Despite having a serving APC National Chairman then and a sitting Governor, the state failed to deliver APC/Tinubu, with the Governor narrowly won against Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu of the opposition PDP.
4. Kwara State: The sitting Governor is the current Chairman of Nigeria's Governors Forum .
5. Niger State: The status and direction are unclear, and no much is known about any prominent APC figure with national appeal that is interested in the chairman.
6. Kogi State: Delivered APC/Tinubu with minimal strategic national appointments since 2015. However, Kogi has a former Governor with national appeal, overwhelming home-based support, and an age advantage, possessing the right qualities to spearhead President Tinubu's reelection and expand APC's fortunes nationwide.
NB: 2027 might see a coalition or gang-up, and former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello is an expert in this, given his experience in Kogi State. President Tinubu reportedly praised Ex- Governor Yahaya Bello, saying, "Despite all the gang-up, you were able to deliver Governor Ododo/APC; thumbs up" - November 2023.
May God's will be done ♥️🙏.
- Nda Aaron writes from Tsaragi, Kwara State.