Palpable tension gripped the All Progressives Congress (APC) national headquarters on Thursday as Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State arrived hours before the inauguration of the party’s new zonal officers. Accompanied by his loyalists and a significant security presence, Bello entered the party secretariat, with a contingent of Kogi lawmakers later seen joining him.

The absence of National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and National Secretary Senator Ajibola Basiru didn’t deter speculation, as secretariat officials discussed in hushed tones the possibility of Bello’s presence being an attempt to disrupt the inauguration. The prevailing sentiment was that Bello aimed to thwart the proceedings due to the replacement of his nominee, Yahaya Ismail, with Hon Duro Mesoko for the Deputy National Publicity Secretary role.

Sources revealed that Bello had met with Ganduje the previous night, and despite explanations for the replacement, the governor remained steadfast in opposing the deal. As Bello and his team created an intimidating atmosphere, supporters of Mesoko grew concerned, urging him to remain calm.

After a closed-door meeting with Bello, Mesoko’s delegation emerged, voicing their refusal to accept the proposed deal. Allegedly, Bello and the lawmakers had pressured Mesoko, urging him to resign and avoid jeopardizing his political career in Kogi.

As the situation escalated, news arrived that Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje had called for a meeting at his residence, potentially signaling an effort to address the crisis. The Kogi State chapter of the APC distanced itself from Mesoko’s candidacy, asserting that the choice didn’t emerge from the state and accusing those involved of violating the party’s constitution.

The chapter called for a reversal of the replacements and a return to the ratified list, highlighting their belief in President Muhammadu Buhari’s respect for due process. Amidst the turmoil, the stage was set for a complex showdown within the APC’s ranks.

Source: Punch