According to a report by Nigerian Tribune, on Sunday May 31, 2026, in a move shaking up the political landscape of Kogi State, former Governor Yahaya Bello has paid a high-profile, private visit to the Lagos residence of federal lawmaker Rt. Hon. James Abiodun Faleke.
The unexpected gathering marked an extraordinary display of reconciliation and alignment within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
During the weekend visit to the Ikeja Federal Constituency representative, Bello lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s enduring blueprint of political cultivation.
He described the President as an exceptional mentor whose leadership style has systematically raised a sophisticated new generation of Nigerian statesmen.
Fusing his own political aspirations with the President’s legacy, Bello revealed that his ultimate goal is to replicate that exact leadership model by discovering, coaching, and empowering up-and-coming political figures.
“I want to be like Tinubu so that I can also raise and mentor people,” Bello stated plainly during the interaction. “Whatever we need to develop our state can only be achieved more easily when we are united. We shall continue to work together for the benefit of our state.”
The cordial meeting represents a major turning point for the two political heavyweights.
The history between Bello and Faleke is rooted in one of Nigeria’s most unique constitutional crises.
Following the sudden death of Prince Abubakar Audu during the 2015 Kogi gubernatorial election, the APC selected Bello to inherit the votes, bypassing Faleke, who was Audu’s running mate. This sparked a intense, multi-year legal and political battle over the governorship.
By sitting down together at Faleke’s family home alongside close political allies and associates, both sides sent a definitive signal that past friction has been put aside in favor of broader strategic alignment.
Bello warmly praised Faleke’s deep well of public service expertise, calling him a prime example of an effective leader sculpted by President Tinubu’s personal mentorship.
He stressed that unifying the state’s various political actors is a prerequisite for achieving tangible infrastructure and economic development back home.
The discussions centered heavily on long-term collaboration, regional stability, and strengthening alliances within their shared political network to fast-track development projects.
Expressing deep gratitude for the warm reception he and his entourage received, the former governor extended special recognition to the lawmaker’s family for their hospitality.
“I also thank your wife for taking time to specially prepare meals for me and my entourage,” Bello added. “We shall continue to have this kind of engagement….See More
