Over 80 CSOs: Opposition’s Sponsored Calls For Arrest Portraying EFCC’s Investigation Of Yahaya Bello As Political Persecution

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2 years ago

June 2, 2024

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Over 80 CSOs: Opposition’s Sponsored Calls For Arrest Portraying EFCC’s Investigation Of Yahaya Bello As Political Persecution—-Again, scores of activists hit the streets of Lagos on Saturday demanding an end to what they described as the mischievous use of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission platform to malign perceived enemies by opposition forces.

The activists, who frowned at the consistent call for anarchy in a democratic setting by those that their investigations had established to be working for known opposition figures in Kogi State, called on the EFCC to ignore the “sponsored, desperate calls” and focus on toeing the path of the rule of law.

The over 80 Human Rights Civil Society Organizations, under the broad umbrella of Citizens Action Against Lawlessness, said those calling for the EFCC to ignore an ongoing court process and forcefully arrest a defendant, former Governor Yahaya Bello, were not only ignorant of the rule of law and up to some mischief, but also tools in the hands of desperate political actors to rubbish the integrity of the Commission.

While commending the EFCC for heeding the calls of reasonable, unbiased Nigerians and CSOs for the Commission to correct past mistakes and avoid disregard for the rule of law, the activists labelled those calling for Yahaya Bello’s arrest as anarchists who the EFCC boss must be wary of.

“The same way this particular group of people have spread falsehood against judges, who they earlier boasted were for them, against prominent figures perceived to be close to President Bola Tinubu, and against APC governors that they felt were supporting them during the election in Kogi and at the Tribunal, is the same way they will turn against the EFCC boss with baseless allegations. It is their stock in trade. The EFCC boss and other relevant authorities must detect this and put them in their place,” Segun Abegunde, Co-Convener of the Joint CSOs platform, said.

Abegunde, who is also the Coordinator of the South West Progressive Youths Organisation stated, “We insist that this is beyond corruption investigation but political persecution. Some sponsored anarchists still went to the EFCC Zonal office today to call on the Commission to use military force to attack the defendant’s known residences and abduct him. There have been insinuations that they are even planning to use fake soldiers in order to inflict maximum damage.”

“The target of these anarchists is to provoke crisis so that a state of emergency can be declared in the state. If they’ve lost at the polls and at the Tribunal, they most likely think they can create a crisis that will still serve their purpose. Why the desperation to hunt the man down at all costs? Many who understand the politics in the state know that these calls are nothing more than a revenge mission for a botched Igala agenda, believed to be the sole fault of Bello, as well as a way for other political enemies in the state to get their pound of flesh,” the activists noted.

According to them, “these anarchists” must be called to order as they have allowed their insatiable appetite for revenge turn them into agents of destruction for the country.

“We call on President Bola Tinubu to call on the security agencies to be at alert as nothing bad must happen to Yahaya Bello or any of his family members.

“Let the courts decide Yahaya Bello’s fate. Desperate opposition forces should not plot to kill him by all means. We demand due court processes. We say no to political persecution. We say no to opposition politicians using EFCC to attack Yahaya Bello who they consider their political enemy.

“EFCC must avoid anarchists bent on tarnishing its image. They should rather sharpen their political skills and leave the anti-graft agency alone. We will always give our unflinching support to the EFCC to carry out its duties strictly in line with the rule of the same law that set it up,” the activists said.

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option

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17 hours ago

April 16, 2026

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2027 Elections: Atiku Abubakar Backs Consensus Candidate for African Democratic Congress, Keeps Primaries as Option—-Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will prioritise a consensus approach in selecting its presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, but may conduct primaries if internal talks fail.

Speaking on a prime-time programme on Arise TV, Atiku explained that party leaders are working to avoid internal disputes by rallying around a single candidate through dialogue and agreement.

He expressed confidence that stakeholders would reach a common ground, noting that experienced politicians within the party understand the importance of unity.

According to him, the ADC is focused on strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, with members committed to managing differences without causing division.

Atiku also reiterated his willingness to support whoever emerges as the party’s flagbearer, regardless of the selection method.

He further stated that he is open to stepping aside for any aspirant, including Peter Obi, if they emerge as the preferred choice, emphasizing that unity within the party remains the top priority ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Liyel Imoke Urges Unity, Resilience at African Democratic Congress Convention

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Liyel Imoke Urges Unity, Resilience at African Democratic Congress Convention—-Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC) Convention Committee, Sen. Liyel Imoke, on Tuesday, called party leaders and members to be united and resilient amid escalating political pressure.

Imoke said this while welcoming party leaders, delegates, coalition partners and Nigerians to the party’s 2026 convention held in Abuja.

While describing the gathering as a “defining moment,” he said that the convention represented not just a meeting but a convergence of purpose to rebuild Nigeria.

Imoke said that the coming together of members was deliberate, driven by urgent national needs and a shared understanding that unity and clarity of vision were essential.

He lamented what he termed the rising insecurity, erosion of rule of law, shrinking democratic space and increasing cost of living, calling for decisive action.

“These realities are difficult but also clarifying, compelling us to define precisely the kind of country we want to build for present and future generations,” he said.

Imoke noted that preparations for the convention were marked by significant challenges, including legal battles and attempts to deny the party access to venues.

“Even as recently as last night, there were efforts to pressure the venue owners to cancel our reservation but despite everything, we are here,” he stated.

Imoke said that the resilience demonstrated by party leaders and members in overcoming obstacles reflected a deep commitment to the party’s ideals and national transformation.

He commended members for working tirelessly, often under difficult conditions, improvising when necessary and ensuring that all arrangements for the convention were successfully executed.

The former Cross River governor said the spirit of sacrifice was evident as some leaders contributed personal resources, describing the gesture as unprecedented in Nigeria’s political landscape.

“This spirit is instructive and speaks to what we are becoming as a party committed to genuine change and national renewal,” he added.

He said that each challenge faced had strengthened unity within the party, reinforcing the belief that ADC represented a credible pathway to Nigeria’s future.

Imoke, therefore, urged delegates to engage thoughtfully, make wise decisions and act in ways that would reflect the trust and expectations of Nigerians.

He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to collective action, team work and purposeful leadership, aimed at ensuring that Nigeria worked again for all.

Imoke expressed optimism that the convention would further strengthen the party’s resolve to deliver meaningful change and sustainable national development.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that those present at the convention included: the Chinese, British and Norwegian envoys, ADC leaders and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.

Others were: the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, former Governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sen. Dino Melaye.

Also former National Chairman of ADC, Raph Nwosu, former Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Mr Abubakar Malami and Sen. Ireti Kingibe were in attendance.

The national convention equally featured a former governor of Ebonyi, Dr Sam Egwu, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, among others.

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