Natasha’s Camp Mocks APC Over Bello’s Clearance Despite EFCC Case

Loyalists of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the conduct of its National Assembly primaries in Kogi State, describing the exercise as chaotic, controversial and lacking internal democracy.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Monday, Media Adviser to Senator Natasha, Samuel Idoko, said the outcome of the primaries exposed deep divisions within the ruling party and raised questions about its preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

He alleged that the exercise, which covered both House of Representatives and Senate contests, was marred by irregularities, manipulation and poor organisation.

“The irregularities witnessed during the APC primaries, from the House of Representatives elections down to the Senate primaries, are a huge embarrassment to a party that claims to be the ruling party. What Nigerians and Kogites have seen is confusion, manipulation, and lack of internal democracy,” Idoko said.

Idoko also faulted the APC screening committee for clearing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to contest for the Senate despite ongoing corruption allegations involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He described the clearance as “shocking and disappointing,” arguing that it undermined the party’s credibility on accountability and governance.

“The most shocking aspect is the clearance granted to former Governor Yahaya Bello, who is currently facing serious corruption cases with the EFCC, to contest for Senate. It is a major dent on the integrity of the APC and clearly shows that the party does not care about accountability,” he stated.

Idoko, who is also a candidate for the Kogi State House of Assembly under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said internal dissatisfaction within the APC had strengthened opposition chances in the state ahead of the 2027 elections.

He claimed that the PDP was gaining growing grassroots support across Kogi East and Kogi Central senatorial zones and was positioning itself to win key legislative seats.

“All these developments are advantages for the PDP. The people are tired, and they are ready for change. The PDP is strongly positioned to win elections across Kogi East and Kogi Central,” he said.

He urged party supporters to remain united and focused, stressing that the PDP remained committed to what he described as “rescuing the state from bad governance and political injustice.”