Youth leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have raised considerations over the alleged politically motivated persecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, by the Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC). They declare that sure influential social gathering members are behind the continuing authorized motion in opposition to Bello, aimed toward undermining his political affect.
The APC Youth Leaders Discussion board (AYLF), a community representing youth leaders from throughout Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), voiced their dissatisfaction on Monday. They questioned why a distinguished social gathering determine who has contributed considerably to the social gathering’s success, together with securing President Bola Tinubu’s election, is now going through what they describe as undue harassment.
In a joint assertion signed by the Nationwide President of the AYLF, Alhaji Abdullahi Danbaba, and Nationwide Secretary, Dr. Chike Ihedioha, the youth leaders accused sure social gathering figures of utilizing the 2027 elections as a motive to discredit and sabotage Bello, claiming their actions are pushed by private ambitions for future political workplaces.
The AYLF, which has been on the forefront of mobilizing and organizing youth for the APC since its formation, expressed that Bello’s actions as governor had been throughout the regulation, with lots of his achievements in Kogi State well known.
“The proof of his achievements in Kogi State speaks for itself,” the assertion famous. “Nevertheless, these focusing on him by means of the EFCC appear to be ignoring the true culprits who deserve investigation and a spotlight.”
The youth leaders additionally highlighted that as an alternative of rewarding loyal social gathering members who performed essential roles within the APC’s current electoral victories, they’re now being persecuted, branding them as criminals. This, they are saying, is a harmful precedent that might injury the social gathering’s unity and credibility.
“Now we have dependable data that the persistent persecution of Yahaya Bello by the EFCC is politically pushed, with sure people nursing ambitions for the 2027 elections,” the assertion continued. “Somewhat than recognizing his contributions, these behind these assaults are attempting to tarnish his fame.”
Additionally they identified the case of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, suggesting that he too is being focused by these similar forces throughout the social gathering.
The youth leaders referred to as on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and forestall the additional erosion of the social gathering’s integrity by these with private vendettas and political agendas. They urged the withdrawal of all politically motivated petitions earlier than the EFCC and different anti-corruption companies, emphasizing that these actions had been undermining the APC’s future.
“Let the EFCC perform its duties independently, with out getting used to settle political scores by influential social gathering figures,” they concluded.