By Comr. Danfulani Lukman Ohinoyi
The recent reaction by the Africa Transparency Initiative (ATI) to the appointment of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello to the APC Reconciliation Committee, has generated intense public debate.
While civic vigilance and advocacy for accountability are essential in a democracy, it is equally important that such discourse remains balanced, factual, and respectful of constitutional principles and political realities.
First, it must be clearly stated that the APC Reconciliation Committee is a party-based mechanism, not a government or executive institution. Membership of such a committee does not confer statutory authority, control over public resources, or immunity from investigation.
Therefore, the claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision constitutes “presidential cover” or undermines anti-corruption efforts lacks both legal and institutional basis. Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies remain constitutionally independent and fully empowered to carry out their duties, irrespective of party appointments.
Beyond allegations, which remain subject to judicial determination, Yahaya Bello’s record in governance and party-building deserves objective consideration.
As Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, Bello presided over a politically diverse and strategically sensitive state, one that borders several regions and had long struggled with insecurity, administrative inefficiency, and weak party cohesion.
His administration placed strong emphasis on security coordination, leading to improved collaboration between state and federal security agencies at a time when criminal activities along Kogi’s corridors posed national concerns.
In governance, Bello initiated civil service reforms, including staff verification exercises aimed at curbing ghost workers and reducing fiscal leakages.
His administration also expanded infrastructure presence across senatorial districts, particularly in roads, education facilities, and healthcare centres, helping to integrate previously underserved communities into the state’s development framework. These efforts, while not without challenges, are the case with most subnational administrations contributed to stabilizing governance structures in the state.
Politically, Yahaya Bello remains one of the APC’s most influential figures in the North Central region.
He successfully consolidated the party in Kogi State, delivered repeated electoral victories, and played a visible role in national party mobilization.
His tenure symbolized youth inclusion and generational leadership, having emerged as the youngest governor in Nigeria at the time, an achievement that resonated widely and aligned with the APC’s long-standing commitment to broadening political participation.
It is precisely these attributes, experience, influence, and party loyalty that make Bello a logical choice for a reconciliation role. Political reconciliation is not a judicial function; it is a strategic exercise that relies on individuals who understand party dynamics, command respect across factions, and possess the capacity to negotiate consensus.
Excluding experienced political actors from such processes on the basis of unresolved allegations alone risks weakening party cohesion and undermining internal democratic mechanisms.
For the APC and the Tinubu administration, the inclusion of figures like Yahaya Bello signals inclusiveness, recognition of service, and strategic consolidation.
President Tinubu’s political career itself has been defined by coalition-building, reconciliation, and pragmatic engagement across divides.
Strengthening internal unity within the ruling party is critical to advancing governance priorities, legislative cooperation, and national stability.
Importantly, recognizing Bello’s political relevance does not equate to endorsing impunity. Allegations of corruption, security breaches, or misconduct remain matters for law enforcement and the courts, not for trial by media or pre-emptive political exclusion.
Nigeria’s democracy is best served when accountability is pursued through due process, not through speculative conclusions that risk politicizing justice.
In conclusion, the appointment of Yahaya Bello to the APC Reconciliation Committee should be viewed within the proper context of party administration, political experience, and strategic value, not as an assault on integrity or a signal of tolerance for wrongdoing.
The APC and the Tinubu administration stand to gain from leveraging experienced party leaders to foster unity while allowing institutions of justice to function independently and without interference.
A mature democracy must be capable of balancing accountability with fairness, recognition with restraint, and political pragmatism with the rule of law.
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