Following the resignation of Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the party is faced with the critical responsibility of selecting a suitable successor but beyond competence and party loyalty, the choice must also reflect the imperative of geopolitical zonal balancing to maintain internal equity and national cohesion.

Striking this balance is now the central task before the APC leadership as it seeks to sustain unity, strengthen its base, and chart a forward-looking path for the party. The role of National Chairman in the All Progressives Congress (APC) requires a leader who can unify voices, strengthen internal structures, and guide the party with clarity and purpose. Former Governor Yahaya Bello stands out in this regard, firm, focused, and widely respected for his ability to build consensus and energize party members across all levels. His leadership style reflects the kind of steady, unifying presence the APC needs to consolidate its gains and move forward with renewed strength.

 

I am Dr. Tom Ohikere, you all know me. I speak not out of compulsion, nor for personal gain, but out of a deep commitment to justice, fairness, and the future of our great party. It is the rightful turn of the North Central to produce the next National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, and in that spirit, I strongly advocate for the consideration of former Governor Yahaya Bello. The North Central, whose turn it originally was before recent developments, deserves to be given its due. Let this opportunity come to Kogi State.

 

You would recall that from the inception of our party, those who have held the chairmanship have been former governors, men with tested administrative capacity and political reach. The same should apply now. Let the North Central be given the honour it deserves in this rotation, and let Yahaya Bello be given the opportunity to serve.

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) needs a National Chairman who embodies strength, strategic clarity, and resolute loyalty . Former Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State stands out as a compelling candidate, firm yet diplomatic, charismatic yet disciplined, and unyielding in his commitment to party cohesion and national unity.

 

One of the standout qualities of Yahaya Bello’s leadership is his remarkable ability to mobilize young people and galvanize grassroots support. As governor, he pioneered youth-inclusive policies and brought thousands of first-time voters into the political process, especially through digital outreach and on-the-ground engagement. His connection with Nigeria’s energetic youth demographic is not just symbolic—it is strategic. At a time when the APC must renew its appeal to younger generations, Yahaya Bello’s leadership can breathe fresh life into the party’s base, building a sustainable future from the grassroots up.

 

Yahaya Bello’s political career is marked by a consistent capacity to manage complex situations with calm resolve. In a state as ethnically and politically diverse as Kogi, he was able to foster stability and cohesion, often intervening personally to resolve disputes and maintain party unity. These qualities are critical for a National Chairman, especially in a party as broad-based and dynamic as the APC. His approach to conflict resolution appears firm but inclusive, and would serve the party well in maintaining internal harmony, preempting factional divisions, and projecting unity ahead of key national elections.

 

Even though he hails from the North Central, Yahaya Bello has built a strong network of political relationships across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. He has actively supported APC candidates and campaigns in states beyond his own, demonstrating both commitment to party growth and a pan-Nigerian outlook. This capacity to build bridges beyond regional and ethnic lines positions him as a unifying figure for the APC at the national level. His inclusive style and cross-regional appeal will help reinforce the party’s identity as a truly national platform, capable of winning elections and maintaining relevance in every corner of the country.

 

His track record during his tenure as governor reflects a man who did not only consolidate power within his state but also contributed significantly to the party’s victories in multiple elections outside Kogi. His reputation for harmonizing diverse political interests, mobilizing critical constituencies, and enforcing party discipline has placed him as a stabilizing force within the APC. At a time when internal cohesion is as important as external dominance, the APC needs a Chairman who can navigate complex terrain with clarity and resolve. Yahaya Bello fits that need with distinction.

 

Unity above all has always been the political philosophy of Yahaya Bello, and it is one of the strongest qualities he would bring into the national leadership of the APC. As Governor, he demonstrated rare political dexterity in harmonizing ethnic, religious, and generational differences in a state as complex as Kogi. He worked across divides, building trust among groups historically at odds with one another. This instinct to unite, rather than divide, is critical for a party that draws support from every region of the country. As Chairman, Yahaya Bello would serve as a bridge across factions, defusing intra-party tension through dialogue and inclusion, while ensuring no segment of the party feels marginalized or silenced.

 

Strategic foresight is the bedrock of every successful political institution. Yahaya Bello has consistently demonstrated an ability to see beyond the immediate electoral cycle. His strategic contributions to the APC during gubernatorial, senatorial, and presidential elections, some outside his geopolitical zone, underline his understanding of national political dynamics. He mobilized grassroots structures, deployed resources intelligently, and coordinated cross-regional alliances that yielded measurable electoral dividends. This kind of long-view leadership is essential at the helm of the party, especially as Nigeria approaches another critical political transition.

 

Yahaya Bello’s strength has always been rooted in the grassroots. He recognizes that the most resilient political parties are those that maintain constant engagement with their base, not just during campaigns but throughout the governance process. During his tenure, he built and maintained a vast network of ward-level political operatives, youth movements, and women organizations. These structures remain active and loyal to the APC, thanks to his continuous investments in grassroots engagement. As National Chairman, he would revitalize party structures at the local government and ward levels nationwide, ensuring that every community feels the party’s pulse and presence.

 

Transparent leadership has defined Yahaya Bello’s public service journey. He understands that internal trust is earned through consistent fairness and openness. Throughout his time as governor, he supervised primary elections and political appointments within his state in a manner widely acknowledged as equitable and free of undue influence. He managed state resources without scandal and made party decisions through consultation rather than imposition. At the national level, this credibility would enhance the APC’s image and foster trust among members who may otherwise feel sidelined.

 

Internal democracy must be the foundation upon which the APC builds its future, and Yahaya Bello is one of the few political figures with a demonstrable respect for democratic norms within the party. His administration supported transparent delegate selections and promoted level playing fields for aspirants. As Chairman, he would institutionalize mechanisms that reduce friction during primaries, resolve pre- and post-election disputes amicably, and ultimately preserve the legitimacy of candidates emerging from the party’s internal processes. This is key to preventing avoidable defections and post-primary resentment.

 

In a country where political volatility is the norm, Yahaya Bello’s experience in managing crises sets him apart. From addressing political uprisings to navigating party disagreements during high-stake elections, he has shown exceptional maturity and calm under pressure. As National Chairman, his crisis management skills would be crucial in stabilizing the party, resolving regional grievances, and responding to unforeseen developments without damaging the party’s reputation or momentum.

 

Inclusive governance is not a slogan for Yahaya Bello, it is a principle he has consistently upheld. He empowered women with strategic appointments and provided young people with unprecedented political opportunities, thereby cultivating a new generation of party loyalists. His administration worked actively to bridge the gender gap and democratize access to political leadership. With Yahaya Bello as Chairman, the APC would deepen its reputation as an inclusive platform that reflects the demography and aspirations of modern Nigeria.

 

Discipline and order are non-negotiable in any serious political institution, and Yahaya Bello is well-known for enforcing party rules with fairness and resolve. He maintained party discipline in Kogi without fear or favoritism, ensuring that party guidelines were respected at all levels. He held public officers accountable to the party and dealt firmly with attempts to destabilize its internal cohesion. As Chairman, he would bring this same ethos of structured leadership to the national level, where unity must be guarded through principle, not appeasement.

 

Mass mobilization has always been a hallmark of Yahaya Bello’s political campaigns. He possesses a unique ability to rally supporters across ethnic, religious, and age divides through his relatable communication style and energetic field presence. His campaigns were marked by enthusiastic youth participation, grassroots engagement, and issue-based messaging. Under his leadership, the APC would enjoy renewed vitality and increased citizen support across all geopolitical zones, especially among first-time voters and politically disillusioned segments of the population.

 

Negotiation and alliance-building have been instrumental in Yahaya Bello’s political trajectory. He is a skilled political negotiator, respected by both senior party stakeholders and rising political actors. He has brokered peace between competing interests without compromising the party’s strategic objectives. He understands the fine balance between compromise and principle. This strength is indispensable at the national level, where strategic alliances and internal reconciliations are key to maintaining power.

 

Yahaya Bello is also a competent administrator. His tenure as governor was marked by efforts to streamline governance, professionalize political structures, and improve the operational efficiency of the state bureaucracy. He treated the party secretariat not just as a ceremonial office but as a vital organ for planning, coordination, and service delivery. As National Chairman, he would strengthen the administrative backbone of the APC, ensuring timely communication, policy direction, and implementation of party resolutions nationwide.

 

Listening leadership is a rare trait in today’s political climate, yet Yahaya Bello has made it central to his approach. He maintained regular consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and professional associations. He responded to feedback promptly and revised policies based on emerging realities. This quality would serve the party well at the national level, where understanding diverse regional sentiments and grievances is essential to sustaining loyalty and preventing fragmentation.

 

He also understands the need for consistent ideological messaging. Yahaya Bello has always communicated his party’s position with clarity and conviction. Whether in media engagements or political debates, he consistently projected APC’s vision for unity, development, and governance reforms. As Chairman, he would sharpen the party’s ideological identity, ensuring that members and the public can clearly distinguish APC’s principles from those of rival platforms.

 

In his interactions with party elders and rising youth leaders, Yahaya Bello has demonstrated a rare ability to balance tradition with innovation. He acknowledges the foundational role of APC’s senior statesmen while actively encouraging the involvement of new voices. This balance is critical for the party’s sustainability and generational continuity. As Chairman, he would serve as the vital link between the party’s historic legacy and its future aspirations.

 

Ultimately, electoral discipline and voter trust are what will keep the APC viable. Yahaya Bello knows this better than most. He championed credible candidates, avoided candidate imposition, and promoted clean campaigns in Kogi and beyond. His emphasis on competence and credibility helped the party retain power even in difficult constituencies. His leadership at the national level would restore faith in the APC’s internal processes and improve public confidence in the party’s readiness for governance.

 

We therefore appeal to the leadership of our great party, the All Progressives Congress, to rise to this moment in history and appoint a National Chairman who embodies the strength, inclusivity, and electoral intelligence required for party unity and national dominance. Yahaya Bello is not just an experienced political administrator, he is a symbol of disciplined leadership, dynamic mobilization, and modern political thinking. The APC stands to gain immeasurably from his stewardship.

 

At a time when the party must reposition itself to retain public trust, consolidate power, and lead Nigeria into a stable and prosperous future, Yahaya Bello’s emergence as National Chairman would signal seriousness of purpose and strategic intent. His loyalty to the party, his proven electoral impact, and his nation-wide acceptability make him the best choice to lead the APC to its next era of success.

Dr Tom Ohikere, is a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and the Publisher of the APC NewsOnline