Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Ruth .J
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has warned individuals he described as “political criminals” that he would take action against anyone who attacks his reputation during election campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bello made the remarks on Thursday, July 9, 2026, during the call-to-bar ceremony of Tijani Lubabatu Ozavize, Esq., in Kogi State, where he addressed supporters and political associates. His comments come as political activities intensify across the country ahead of the next general elections.
Speaking at the event, the former governor said he would not tolerate what he described as defamatory statements made against him under the cover of political campaigns. He warned that individuals who engage in such actions should be prepared to face his response.
“The political criminals within us in Kogi State, get ready. The political criminals within Kogi Central, get ready, we are coming at you,” Bello said while addressing the gathering.
He added that although he did not mention any individual by name, anyone who considered themselves a political opponent and engaged in what he described as attacks against him would face consequences.
“You cannot tell me that as a result of campaign, that it is political season, you use your mouth to malign me, I will deal with you. I will come against you,” he stated.
Bello also called on residents to support what he described as a new political direction in Kogi State, expressing confidence in the leadership of Governor Usman Ododo and President Bola Tinubu.
The former governor urged citizens to encourage young people to be law-abiding and praised the character of Hajia Habiba, whose values he encouraged residents to emulate.
The comments come amid a long-running political rivalry between Bello and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been one of Bello’s strongest political critics, accusing the former governor and his allies of attempting to intimidate her supporters and suppress opposition voices in the state. Bello and his associates have denied such allegations and have accused the senator of creating political tension in the region.
The dispute between the two political figures has played out through public statements, political gatherings and legal proceedings, attracting national attention because of their influence in Kogi Central politics.
Bello’s remarks also come as he continues to face prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as governor of Kogi State.
The former governor is standing trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged fraud and money laundering involving about N110.4 billion. The EFCC alleges that Bello and other defendants diverted public funds through various transactions, including payments linked to luxury properties and other expenses.
Bello has pleaded not guilty to the allegations and has maintained that the case against him is politically motivated.
The trial has involved legal arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams, alongside the presentation of documents and evidence by the anti-corruption agency as proceedings continue.
Political observers say Bello’s continued influence in Kogi politics, combined with the growing activities of opposition figures ahead of 2027, is likely to keep the state’s political environment highly competitive in the coming months.
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