The All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Leaders Forum (AYLF) has voiced strong concerns over what they describe as politically motivated actions against former Governor Yahaya Bello by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In a statement released on Tuesday, the youth leaders claimed that certain influential figures within the APC are behind what they perceive as a campaign of persecution, driven by ambitions related to the 2027 elections.
Claims of Politically Driven Harassment
According to the APC youth leaders, Yahaya Bello, who played a key role in the party’s success, particularly in Kogi State, is allegedly being targeted by EFCC due to internal power struggles. The group suggested that some prominent party members, with an eye on future political positions, are using anti-corruption agencies to weaken those who were instrumental in recent electoral victories.
The AYLF, representing youth members from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), claimed that the former Kogi State governor’s legal troubles are an effort to diminish his political influence. The youth leaders emphasized Bello’s compliance with legal processes, suggesting he has been “on the side of the law” throughout his ongoing case. They argued that those directing these efforts against him are ignoring other figures they believe to be more deserving of scrutiny if genuine anti-corruption efforts are the goal.
Impact of Internal Party Tensions
The youth forum also voiced concerns over the treatment of other key party figures, including former Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna. They believe that the current harassment of significant party contributors like Bello and El-Rufai could damage the APC’s unity, as these individuals were pivotal in securing electoral wins for the party, particularly in the recent presidential and governorship elections.
Call for a Return to Focused Leadership
The AYLF’s statement, signed by National President Alh Abdullahi Danbaba and National Secretary Dr. Chike Ihedioha, urged President Bola Tinubu to demonstrate strong leadership in this period of internal strife. They called for the President to address what they view as undue harassment driven by a “2027 agenda” and to ensure that political rivalries do not harm the party’s reputation and governance goals.
The youth leaders are advocating for the withdrawal of what they termed politically motivated corruption cases currently under the EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and other anti-corruption bodies. They stressed that allowing these agencies to operate free from political influence would restore credibility to the anti-corruption efforts and maintain party unity.
Emphasis on Fairness in Anti-Corruption Efforts
The statement concluded with a plea for the EFCC to focus on genuine corruption cases rather than being influenced by internal party politics. The AYLF underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting those who have significantly contributed to the party’s growth, warning that failure to do so could lead to internal fractures that might impact the APC’s future success.
By highlighting the internal challenges within the ruling party, the APC youth leaders have brought attention to the broader issue of how political maneuvering can influence anti-corruption measures, a key area of public and political interest in Nigeria.
