By Christopher Sunday
In every political cycle, history offers us a narrow window through which the fate of a nation is shaped—not by chance, but by the wisdom of choices made at crucial moments. As Nigeria steadily approaches another defining juncture in 2027, we are again summoned to reflect not just on party strategy or electoral arithmetic, but on the moral burden of fairness, the imperative of balance, and the call for visionary leadership. In this reflection, one question stares the APC in the face: who will steady the ship and deliver victory amidst fierce opposition and a fatigued electorate?
The permutations ahead of the 2027 elections are not ordinary. The political horizon is clouded with challenges—the opposition is regrouping, the Northern electorate is more fragmented, and the stakes are higher than ever before. To ignore the coming storm would be political naivety; to confront it without strategy would be suicidal. If the APC is to survive, let alone thrive, it must deploy strategic inclusion, not just for votes, but for national cohesion. One such strategy is to zone the National Chairmanship of the party to the North Central—the unspoken conscience of Northern politics.
To ignore North Central is to ignore the pivot around which many elections have turned. It is the region that neither boasts nor begs, but decides. It is the center that binds North and South, a region that embodies Nigeria’s complexity and unity. Within this region lies Kogi State—a state whose political character is bold, loyal, and dependable. Kogi is not a spectator in national politics; it has been an active player, a relentless mobilizer, and a consistent fortress of the APC since its inception. Our electoral behavior has demonstrated maturity, our grassroots machinery remains intact, and our political leaders have never wavered in their support for the party.
To speak of Kogi is to speak of a state that has given its best without seeking what it truly deserves. But now, the moment beckons. The call is clear. It is time for Kogi State to be entrusted with the national chairmanship of the APC. This is not just about rewarding loyalty—it is about anchoring the party where structure, strength, and strategy align. Kogi is the political heart of the North Central. Its demography is diverse, its political actors are dynamic, and its influence is national in reach. No region can offer a better mix of North-South connectivity, youth energy, and unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
And in answering the question of who should wear this responsibility, no name emerges more naturally and consistently than Alhaji Yahaya Bello, OON, the immediate past Governor of Kogi State. A man tested by leadership, refined by responsibility, and grounded in loyalty. He represents a rare blend of youthful drive and administrative experience. He understands the party because he has served it. He knows the terrain because he has walked it. He is fearless in times of conflict and focused in times of confusion. His emergence as National Chairman would signal to the North Central—and to the nation—that the APC is not just a party of power, but a party of justice.
Let us not be deceived: 2027 will not be won by rhetoric but by structure; not by sentiment but by sacrifice. The opposition will come with strategy; we must match it with foresight. In Kogi State, and in the person of Yahaya Bello, the APC has a bridge to the North Central and a path to victory. It would be political brilliance to take that chance.
The call is not just ours. It is history’s call.
It is North Central’s turn. It is Kogi’s time. And Yahaya Bello is the answer.
