Alhaji Yahaya Bello has shut down speculation about any intention to run for president in 2027, declaring his full support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.
In a statement issued by his Media Director, Michael Ohiare, the former Kogi governor discredited a viral video clip from a 2022 rally that falsely portrayed him as initiating a new campaign against the president.
“While we state categorically, that our principal, Bello, has no 2027 presidential ambition, we want to also stress his unflinching commitment to the re-election of President Tinubu come 2027,” the statement said.
Ohiare dismissed the misleading video as the work of dishonest individuals trying to manipulate public opinion with outdated content.
He pointed out that the rally footage being circulated bore visible dates from 2022, making the deception clear.
“Nigerians should disregard the mischievous post insinuating a fresh presidential support rally as what it is – a senseless post by a confused, witless mind,” he said.
He accused those behind the video of launching a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging Bello’s relationship with Tinubu.
“The JPCC found Danmaraya guilty of forging an affidavit, affixing the High Court stamp and seal, and inscribing a fake receipt number, knowing fully well that he is not a commissioner for oaths,” Ohiare explained.
He condemned the recycled post as part of a persistent effort by detractors to tarnish Bello’s image and sow discord.
“But this latest slant of reposting a 2022 rally afresh and insinuating that it is just happening, connotes nothing but sheer mischief,” he said.
Ohiare called on Nigerians to ignore such deceptive narratives and to recognize them as a ploy to incite unnecessary controversy.
“Nigerians should be wary of witless persons who concoct stories without thinking, just to satisfy the interests of their paymasters,” he cautioned.