In a display of political theatre masquerading as an endorsement, former Governor Yahaya Bello has drawn a line in the sand of the Confluence State, audaciously declaring Kogi a “no opposition” zone. After formally moving the motion for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-endorsement, Bello instructed the President to save his campaign breath, assuring him it was unnecessary to visit Kogi for the upcoming polls.
Speaking at a rally for President Tinubu and his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, Bello’s words were laced with more than just support; they were a declaration of his own invincibility. “President Tinubu, you don’t even need to come to Kogi State to campaign in 2027,” Bello proclaimed, with the confidence of a kingmaker who believes he holds the keys to an impregnable fortress.
The Truth Behind the Bluster
The core of Bello’s boast—“There is no opposition in Kogi State”—is a claim that demands scrutiny, not just passive reporting. While the APC undoubtedly controls the state apparatus, to claim the opposition has been utterly vaporized is a masterclass in political spin. It ignores the simmering discontent, the vocal critics, and the very nature of democracy itself, which thrives on dissent.
His threat that opponents “have not seen the lion” is a not-so-subtle reminder of the fierce, often controversial, political machine he built. This isn’t just a promise of victory at the polls; it’s a warning shot about the consequences of challenging his dominance.
Who Truly Holds the Power?
The most telling part of this performance was the audience. Bello wasn’t just endorsing Tinubu; he was presenting Governor Ododo as his own successful project, a testament to his enduring control. By effusively praising Ododo and seamlessly linking him to Tinubu’s national success, Bello was broadcasting a clear message to the President: “I deliver Kogi. This is my domain. My support is your guarantee.”
In one breath, he offers lavish thanks for federal “appointments” and “more money,” while in the next, he dictates the terms of the President’s future campaign. This is the dance of Nigerian politics—a mix of public sycophancy and raw, hard-nosed power play.
