The second term ambition of Kogi State governor, Alh. Yahaya Bello may not be a smooth sail as expected with ongoing plans to deny him the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
A reliable source who wished to be anonymous disclosed that plans are afoot to give Bello the ‘Ambode’ treatment.
The source disclosed further that the power brokers at the national level of the party are considering the Director General, Consumer Protection Council, Barr. Babatunde Irukera as his replacement.
He stated that Gov. Bello is being haunted by his multiple sins and may have fallen out of favour in the presidency and the caucus of the ruling APC. He disclosed that part of Bello’s sins are his abysmal performance in the state, his decision to pick Senator Smart Adeyemi as the senatorial candidate of the APC in Kogi West against the the wish of the presidency to pick Irukera.
He added that part of what is currently haunting Bello is his decision to fight the current National Chairman of APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and ganged up with other dissidents to get him removed.
The source added that, the APC National Leader, Bola Tinubu has not forgiven Bello for blocking his way to make the former running mate of late Abubakar Audu, Hon. James Faleke the governor of Kogi State when the former died at the eve of his victory, explaining that Tinubu is desirous to kick Bello out of Lugard House and bring in his favourite candidate.
According to the source, the choice of Tunde Irukera who hails from Kogi West may not be unconnected to the power shift agitation in Kogi State, a strategy that will suit the game for the Kogi West to taste the seat of power.
However, a source close to the state government disclosed that, Bello is unaware of the naked reality before him, adding that the White Lion has been running from pillar to post to avoid a replay of governor Ambode’s humiliation.
The source maintained that if the presidency and APC caucus succeeded in giving the Kogi APC governorship ticket to Irukera, Bello may consider dumping APC for another party to fight back.