Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State paid N100 million on Tuesday for the purchase of nomination papers to run for President in 2023 under the APC platform.
According to Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Council Director (Media and Publicity), Yemi Kolapo, the payment had made him the first to officially seal his desire to the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2023.
With the payment, Kolapo stated the governor would choose his expression of interest and nomination papers on Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
Thousands of Nigerians from all walks of life flocked to Eagle Square in the nation’s capital on Saturday, April 2, 2022, to witness Governor Bello’s official acceptance to bid for 2023 presidency.
The declaration’s location was packed to capacity, while an almost equal audience gathered outside, with several support groups dressed in various outfits and chanting solidarity songs.
Kolapo said, “With the payment for the forms, Governor Bello’s teeming supporters should rest assured that he will be on the ballot in the 2023 presidential race. We are highly encouraged by the number of APC Governors, leaders, and stakeholders who have demonstrated their strong support for the candidacy of our Principal.
“We reiterate that he is not known for betrayal. He is always very loyal to his own and his priorities have always been Nigeria, Nigeria, and Nigeria.
“Though the race officially begins now, it is on record that Governor Bello has consistently been at the forefront of the contest. He has demonstrated this again by being the first to pay for the forms.
“We urge delegates and indeed all Nigerians to shun divisive narratives in the interest of the nation and choose the best of the lot. We have no doubt that our tested and trusted National Working Committee members will put the interest of the party and that of Nigeria first in their activities around the process that will throw up the next flagbearer of the APC.”
According to her, several youth, women, and professional organisations across Nigeria have been calling for the Kogi State governor to run for President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the past few months.
“With Senator Jonathan Zwingina as the Chairman of the Hope ’23 Yahaya Bello Presidential Campaign Organisation, and Hafsat Abiola-Costello as the Director-General, the tone is set for Hope to be actualized for Nigerians in 2023″, the campaign organization said.
