Yahaya Bello, the immediate past governor of Kogi State, has emphasized the importance of party unity and loyalty within the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the recent by-election victory of Hassan Shado in the Okura State Constituency. Bello, in a meeting with a delegation of APC lawmakers including Shado, stressed the need for cooperation with the current administration of Governor Usman Ododo for the sake of political stability and development in the state. This directive underscores Bello’s continued influence within the Kogi APC and his vision for a cohesive political landscape under the party’s banner. The meeting, held at Bello’s Abuja residence, served as an opportunity for the former governor to impart political wisdom to the newly elected lawmaker and reinforce the party’s commitment to a unified front.
The by-election, which saw Shado emerge victorious with a significant margin, cemented the APC’s hold on the Okura State Constituency. Shado’s win, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), further solidifies the APC’s dominance in Kogi State politics. Bello’s subsequent meeting with Shado and the APC delegation highlights the party’s strategy of consolidating power and maintaining a strong grip on the state’s political machinery. The former governor’s emphasis on cooperation and loyalty indicates a desire to avoid internal conflicts and present a united front in future elections.
During the meeting, captured in a now-viral video, Bello offered Shado practical advice on navigating the complexities of political life. He cautioned the newly elected lawmaker against being perceived as a mere stooge and encouraged him to assert his position as a legislator while maintaining a collaborative relationship with the executive branch. Bello’s candid remarks shed light on the potential challenges faced by newly elected officials and the importance of balancing independence with party loyalty. This mentorship-like approach demonstrates Bello’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of APC leaders in Kogi State.
Bello’s emphasis on unity within the Kogi State House of Assembly harks back to his own tenure as governor, during which he claims to have maintained a harmonious relationship with the legislature. He underscored the importance of avoiding internal squabbles and presenting a united front, both during his time in office and under the current Ododo administration. This focus on unity and stability, according to Bello, is crucial for effective governance and the successful implementation of the party’s agenda. By emphasizing the importance of a cohesive legislative body, Bello aims to ensure the smooth functioning of government and minimize potential disruptions caused by internal disagreements.
The former governor also expressed confidence in the APC’s future prospects, predicting victories for the party in upcoming presidential, gubernatorial, and legislative elections. This optimistic outlook reflects the party’s ambition to maintain its dominance at both the state and national levels. Bello’s unwavering belief in the APC’s continued success serves as a rallying cry for party members and reinforces the message of unity and collective effort.
In essence, Yahaya Bello’s directive to Hassan Shado and other APC lawmakers underscores the importance of party loyalty and cooperation within the Kogi State political landscape. His guidance to the newly elected lawmaker reflects a commitment to mentorship and the development of future APC leaders. By emphasizing unity and stability, Bello aims to ensure the smooth functioning of government and the continued success of the APC in Kogi State and beyond. His confident predictions about future electoral victories serve as a motivational tool for party members and a testament to his unwavering belief in the APC’s enduring power. The meeting with Shado and the subsequent statement released by his media aide serve as a clear message to all APC members: unity, loyalty, and cooperation are paramount to the party’s continued success.
