Politics

Tensions in Kogi APC as Audu-Faleke Group Distances Itself from Bello, Ododo’s Endorsement of Tinubu

Published by admin on October 19th, 2025.

Tensions in Kogi APC as Audu-Faleke Group Distances Itself from Bello, Ododo’s Endorsement of Tinubu

A fresh wave of political drama is unfolding in Kogi State as internal divisions within the All Progressives Congress (APC) become more visible. Former Governor Yahaya Bello and current Governor Usman Ododo publicly declared their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid during a televised rally aired on TVC. However, the absence of the powerful Audu-Faleke faction has raised eyebrows, signaling unresolved tensions within the party’s state chapter.

“Tinubu Is the Angel We’ve Been Waiting For” – Bello

Addressing party loyalists at the endorsement event, former Governor Bello praised President Tinubu’s leadership and urged citizens to remain patient with the administration’s economic and structural reforms. Drawing on Tinubu’s track record, Bello referred to him as the “angel” destined to rescue Nigeria.

> “We don’t need to wait for a supernatural being to fix the country — President Tinubu is the leader Nigeria needs,” Bello said.

He pointed to policy measures such as the removal of fuel subsidies, introduction of student loan schemes, exchange rate liberalisation, and efforts to boost government revenue as indicators of bold leadership. According to him, the results will unfold gradually as the economy stabilises.

Governor Ododo Reaffirms Loyalty to Tinubu

Governor Ododo echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing that President Tinubu’s reforms are essential for long-term national development. He framed the endorsement as both a commitment to national progress and a strategic alignment with the federal government.

Observers suggest that the show of support may also be a calculated political move ahead of the 2027 elections, as Kogi seeks to remain in good standing with the APC-led federal administration.

Audu-Faleke Faction Silent and Absent

Noticeably absent from the rally was the Audu-Faleke faction—a key bloc within Kogi APC. According to party insiders, the group’s decision to skip the event reflects ongoing internal disputes over control, influence, and local political strategy.

Though the rally aimed to project a united front behind President Tinubu, the nonattendance of the Audu-Faleke camp suggests that the party’s grassroots cohesion in the state may still be fragile.

Caution Amid Optimism

Bello acknowledged that Nigeria’s challenges cannot be resolved overnight, pointing to years of systemic issues that require time to correct. He urged the party faithful to stay the course and continue supporting Tinubu’s administration through the reform period.

The former governor described 2027 as a defining moment that would determine the success of Tinubu’s long-term vision for the country and called

for consistency in governance.