Yahaya Bello Wins Kogi Central Ticket Amid Charges

Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, secured the APC senatorial ticket for Kogi Central with 72,399 votes, defeating his closest rival, who garnered 31,9 votes. Despite being indicted on 19 counts of alleged mismanagement of N80 billion and currently standing trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Bello remains eligible to run for office.

According to Section 66 of the Nigerian Constitution, a candidate is not disqualified from running solely based on being on trial. This legal loophole has been previously exploited by other politicians, such as Theodor Orji and Orji Uzor Kalu, who continued to serve despite facing serious charges.

Bello's actions have drawn criticism, yet he continues to receive support, indicating a resilient political presence in Kogi Central as he prepares to face incumbent Natasha Akpoti in the upcoming elections.