An Open Letter to President Tinubu: Why Kogi State Should Get the APC National Chairmanship

By: 

Farouk Ozigi Onimisi

Your Excellency, I wish to begin by expressing my profound appreciation for the exemplary leadership you have demonstrated since assuming office as the President of our great nation, Nigeria. Your vision for the country and your commitment to the welfare of Nigerians are truly commendable.

I must also commend Your Excellency's significant input in shaping the All Progressives Congress (APC) into a formidable force in Nigerian politics. Under your leadership, the party has experienced unprecedented growth, with numerous defections from opposition parties. Your Excellency's inclusive approach and policies have attracted many to the APC, further solidifying its position as a dominant force in the country. This growth is a testament to your leadership and vision, and I believe that appointing a capable National Chairman following the resignation of H.E, Abdullahi Ganduje, will further strengthen the party's structures and position it for even greater successes.

However, as you continue to make decisions that shape the future of our great nation, I would like to bring to your attention a pressing matter that requires Your Excellency's consideration. The recent demand by some stakeholders in the APC for the party's National Chairman to come from Kogi State has generated a lot of interest and debate within the party and across the country.

In light of this development, I believe that considering His Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello, the former Governor of Kogi State, as the APC National Chairman, would be an excellent decision. 

Your Excellency, Alh. Yahaya Bello has a proven track record of leadership and governance, having served as the Governor of Kogi State for eight years. During his tenure, he demonstrated a strong commitment to the development of his state and his people. His experience and expertise would be invaluable to the APC as it seeks to strengthen its structures and build on its successes. Notably, Yahaya Bello further demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of Nigerians when he led a coalition of governors, challenging the Emefiele-Buhari Naira Swap policy, which was widely perceived as a move to undermine the electoral prospects of your candidacy in the 2023 General Elections. This bold stance earned him the utmost trust and respect of Nigerians, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the nation's interests.

Furthermore, Kogi State is one of the core states in the North Central region, and it is surprising that the state has been overlooked technically in the current administration. While other North Central states have been well-represented, with:

- Niger State having Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, and Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security

- Nasarawa State having Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for Police Affairs, and notable figures like Umaru Tanko Al-Makura

- Kwara State having Lateef Fagbemi, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim, Minister of Youth Development and your ADC, Nurudeen A. Yusuf

- Plateau State having Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, and notable figures like Ms. Chalya Shagaya and Mrs. Kemi Nana Nandap

- Benue State having Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Prof. Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,

Given the current representation of other North Central states in your administration, it is imperative that Kogi State is given the opportunity to produce the APC National Chairman. Yahaya Bello's appointment would not only be a fitting recognition of the state's importance in the region but also a testament to his leadership abilities and commitment to the party.

Yahaya Bello has a strong track record of loyalty and service to the party. He contested for the presidency in 2023 and came fifth in the primaries, ahead of former governors, and senators. Notably, he honourably donated his campaign office to Your Excellency, demonstrating his commitment to the party's ideals. 

Furthermore, he emerged as the National Youth Leader for your campaign organisation, where he single-handedly sponsored and supported the youth, women, and persons living with disabilities across the nation during your election.

Given his experience, expertise, and loyalty to the party, it is believed that Yahaya Bello is the ideal candidate to lead the APC as its National Chairman. I humbly request that Your Excellency consider this suggestion and support Yahaya Bello as the APC National Chairman.

Thank you for considering this view, Your Excellency.

Farouk Ozigi Onimisi writes from Abuja, FCT.