Tinubu Under Fire For Appointing Ex-Gov Yahaya Bello’s To APC Reconciliation Committee Amid N80billion Corruption Probe

The African Transparency Initiative (ATI) has strongly condemned President Bola Tinubu’s appointment of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Reconciliation Committee, describing the move as a grave assault on integrity, accountability, and Nigeria’s anti-corruption fight.

In a statement released on Saturday and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Taiwo Omoniyi Otitolaye, ATI said the appointment represents a monumental setback for governance, warning that it sends a dangerous message that allegations of corruption, illegal mining and terrorism financing no longer carry consequences in Nigeria’s political space.

According to ATI, President Tinubu has effectively provided “presidential cover” for Bello despite pending corruption allegations and ongoing prosecution, insisting that such a figure should not be rewarded with sensitive political responsibilities.

“With this appointment, Tinubu has provided presidential cover for an individual facing serious allegations. This signals to the world that this administration tolerates corruption, illegal mining, and terrorism,” the group alleged.

ATI further claimed that Bello is currently facing prosecution over the alleged diversion of more than ₦80 billion during his tenure as governor and accused him of presiding over widespread political violence. The group also referenced alleged associations with controversial cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, whose engagements with armed groups have generated public controversy.
(All claims above were presented as allegations by ATI and have not been determined by a court.)

The organisation warned that the appointment:

• undermines the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)

• damages public trust

• worsens Nigeria’s international image

ATI posed several questions to the presidency, asking whether integrity was being sacrificed for political interests ahead of 2027.

The group also linked insecurity and illegal mining in parts of Kogi State to alleged networks operating during and after Bello’s administration, citing Gumi’s 2021 visit to areas in Kogi West as a troubling indicator.

Calling the appointment “a gangrenous sore on Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts,” ATI demanded:

• immediate removal of Yahaya Bello from the APC committee

• unhindered prosecution of all allegations against him

• an end to what it called political protection for the powerful

“Nigeria deserves better than leaders who place power above principle and impunity above justice,” ATI said.

As at press time, the presidency and the APC leadership had yet to issue a detailed response to ATI’s statement.