Yahaya Bello Threatens To Deal With ‘Political Enemies’ During Election Campaigns

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has issued a warning to opposition figures ahead of upcoming election campaigns, vowing to confront those he classified as political criminals.

Bello made the remarks in Abuja during a Call to Bar ceremony for the daughter of Hajia Habibat Tijani Onumoko, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Kogi State Accountant General.

His warning comes against the backdrop of growing political tension in Kogi Central as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

The former governor is currently facing multiple ongoing trials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged corruption, money laundering, and breach of trust involving over N110 billion.

Addressing attendees at the event, Bello
made no effort to conceal his intentions to target dissenting voices within his political stronghold who cross his line during the campaign season.

“The political criminals in Kogi state, get ready, the political criminals within Kogi central, get ready, we are coming at you,” Bello warned. He maintained that using the cover of a political campaign season to launch verbal attacks against his person would no longer be tolerated.

“I didn’t mention anybody’s name but if you turn yourself to be that political enemy, that political criminal. Criminality is criminality. You cannot tell me that as a result of campaign that is political season, you use your mouth to malign me, I will deal with you.”

The remarks have drawn immediate condemnation from civic groups, with a notable peace advocacy organization in Kogi Central, “Justice and Order, Say No to Violence in Ebira land,” rejecting the statements.

The spokesperson for the group, Alhaji Oganya Abdurazak Mamman, stated that such rhetoric undermines democratic principles, civil liberties, and the rule of law. The group emphasized that a robust and free opposition is foundational to holding a government transparent and accountable, adding that Nigeria’s democracy must never degenerate into an environment where dissent is treated as a crime.

Furthermore, the advocacy group expressed concern over the pattern of these threats, reminding the public that similar inflammatory rhetoric was used prior to the 2023 general elections when opposition figures were warned they would be sent to a place where they would never see the light of the sun or moon.

With another election cycle approaching, the group criticized Bello’s recent appeals urging the current state administration to arrest and prosecute critics under the guise of fighting crime, labeling the tactic as an incitement to political violence and persecution.

Consequently, the group called directly on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services, and the judiciary to intervene, pointing out that the President himself was once a leading opposition figure who deeply understands the vital role of critical voices in preserving democracy.