Violence struck the headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abuja, following speculation that Mr Yahaya Bello might be named the party’s governorship candidate for the forthcoming Kogi state supplementary polls.
Yahaya Bello’s arrival reportedly stirred chaos, as an angry mob of youths sought to get hold of him.
Sources report that over 1, 000 raging youths are at the secretariat of the party, most are believed to be supporters of James Faleke, running mate to the late Abubakar Audu.
Share on FThe cable reports that on sighting Yahaya Bello, who arrived at 2:48pm, they went out of control, attempting to attack him.
It is alleged that only the timely intervention of the security agents saved Bello from being lynched.
Following the violence that trailed his arrival, the APC has put Bello’s nomination on hold.
The Party leaders are currently holding an emergency meeting over the Kogi state election, scheduled for Saturday, December 5.
Supporters of Faleke and those loyal to Bello are said to be clashing at the APC secretariat in Abuja.
There are no casualties recorded yet, but witnesses say the scene is messy.
It would be recalled that Bello was first runner up in the party’s primary election which saw the late Audu emerge as the candidate.
There are controversial reports making the rounds, claiming that APC has endorsed Bello as possible replacement.
Some say it is the reason why he had been invited for a meeting with the stakeholders of the party at the secretariat.Mr Bello is to replace the party’s former candidate, Abubakar Audu who died on the verge of victory in the main election on November 21.
Bello was the second runner up in the first party’s primary election that produced the late Audu as the candidate.
Sources around APC said he is being considered for possible replacement which explains why he had been invited for a meeting with the stakeholders of the party at the secretariat.
Bello arrived the venue at exactly 2:20 pm in a black semi tinted Lexus jeep with registration number BWR 535 GA and went into the building to meet with the national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun.
Meanwhile, a group of protesting youth heralded his arrival at the secretariat.
The youths carrying different placards and banners that announced supports Bello were chanting “sai Yahaya Bello”, meaning it’s Yahaya Bello.
The group however encountered a mild resistance from the security agents who had been on the ground since morning.
Journalists are anxiously waiting to see what would be the outcome of the meeting between Bello and party officials.
