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By Lizzy Chirkpi
A socio-political group, Concerned Citizens Forum of Ebiraland, has urged the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reconsider any move to field former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, in the 2027 elections, citing serious security and corruption concerns.
In an open letter addressed to the party’s national chairman and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Shehu Ibrahim, the group warned that presenting any candidate burdened with unresolved allegations could jeopardize the party’s electoral chances and credibility in Kogi Central.
“This is not a routine political correspondence; it is a deeply urgent appeal grounded in growing anxiety, painful realities, and a sense of collective responsibility,” the group stated.
The forum said its intervention was driven by the need to promote “informed leadership choices” ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasizing integrity, competence, and accountability as critical criteria.
Raising security concerns, the group referenced an alleged intelligence report linked to the Nigeria Police, claiming the existence of a violent network known as the “White Lion Disciples,” reportedly connected to incidents of intimidation, abduction, and killings in Kogi Central.
“The security challenges confronting our communities are not abstract. Families continue to mourn, and the psychological and social impact on Ebiraland is profound,” the letter read.
While acknowledging that the allegations remain subject to investigation, the group stressed that their scale and consistency have created fear and mistrust among residents.
The forum also pointed to ongoing corruption investigations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging that over ₦80 billion linked to Bello’s administration is under scrutiny.
“When billions of naira are reportedly allocated to critical projects, yet the lived reality is deprivation, the people cannot be faulted for demanding accountability,” the group said.
Highlighting infrastructural decay, the group decried worsening water scarcity in Ebiraland despite the presence of major assets such as the Osara and Ekuku dams.
“Women and children walk long distances daily in search of water… This is not merely a governance failure it is a collapse of continuity and responsibility,” it added.
The group warned that the APC risks losing public trust if it ignores the growing concerns among party members and voters.
“There is a growing and undeniable sentiment that fielding any candidate burdened by such weighty and unresolved allegations would be politically catastrophic,” the letter stated.
It further noted a shifting political landscape in Kogi Central, with increasing voter openness to alternative candidates, including Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
“Party loyalty cannot override the people’s demand for integrity,” the group emphasized.
The forum urged the APC leadership to carry out thorough and transparent screening of aspirants and prioritize candidates with credible records.
“The 2027 elections will not be won by political machinery alone. They will be decided by the confidence of the people, the credibility of candidates, and the moral authority of the party.”
The group concluded with a call for decisive action, warning that history would judge any failure to act at such a critical moment.