By joshua Faleke Not the Sole Decider: Why Political Visits Alone Cannot Guarantee Yahaya Bello’s Senatorial Ambition
The recent engagements by former Governor Yahaya Bello with Hon. James Faleke in Abuja and Lagos have generated a lot of discussion among political watchers. However, one point is clear: repeated visits to Faleke do not automatically guarantee Yahaya Bello the APC senatorial ticket.
Politics is driven by interests, structures, and established party processes, not just personal rapport. Those interpreting these visits as a direct path to the APC ticket may be mistaking consultation for final authority.
It is worth recalling that Hon. James Faleke had a different position during the 2015 Kogi governorship election period, when political disagreements between both camps led to a legal contest. At the time, Bello and his supporters proceeded with their own course of action.
Today, the political dynamics seem to have shifted, and Faleke is now being discussed as a possible ally. Political realignments are common, but they also raise the question: does Faleke hold the sole authority over APC tickets?
For clarity, Hon. James Faleke is not the APC National Chairman, nor is he the APC Screening Committee or the National Working Committee. He does not have the constitutional power to single-handedly award senatorial tickets.
Suggesting that Faleke’s endorsement alone secures victory could give an incomplete picture of how party decisions are made.
Yahaya Bello’s political history within the APC also adds context to this discussion. During the 2022 APC presidential primary, he pursued his ambition despite the party’s zoning arrangement to the South, and later expressed concerns about the process after the outcome. Having often taken independent positions within the party, it appears inconsistent to now suggest that meetings with one party leader alone would unlock the senatorial ticket.
The reality is that APC tickets are not issued during courtesy visits. They emerge from party procedures, consultations, screening exercises, and decisions by the relevant organs of the party.
No number of photo opportunities can replace those processes.
Those viewing every visit to Faleke as a sign that the ticket is secured should remember that politics often takes unexpected turns. Today’s ally can become tomorrow’s competitor, and today’s assumption can give way to a new reality.
The APC senatorial ticket is not Faleke’s personal prerogative. It belongs to the party and will be determined by its established mechanisms.
Political consultations are important and legitimate, but they should not be confused with final endorsement or coronation.
By
Comrade Ihiovi Mukhtar
APC Concerned Youths Movement, Kogi Central