Bello made the clarification while addressing concerns over whether the governor’s position amounts to imposing a candidate on the party ahead of future elections.…....
He stated that while political leaders may express preferences for certain aspirants, such positions do not override the party’s established democratic processes. According to him, the governor’s stance should be viewed as personal support rather than a formal anointment.
Bello further noted that similar instances have occurred in Nigeria’s political history and other democratic systems, where outgoing leaders back preferred candidates without undermining due process, emphasizing that the final decision rests with the party and its members.
Bello said,
“Even at the national level, when Obasanjo was leaving office, he had a preferred candidate in Yar’Adua. So this is not unusual.”