Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor | journalist at wengglobal
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has issued a stern warning to political opponents and critics in Kogi Central Senatorial District, cautioning against what he described as deliberate campaigns of defamation, document forgery, and character assassination during the ongoing political season.Speaking at a public gathering in Kogi State, Bello accused unnamed opposition figures of attempting to exploit the electioneering period to spread false allegations capable of damaging his reputation and misleading the electorate.
He maintained that while democratic competition is legitimate, political campaigns should never become a platform for criminal conduct or the dissemination of fabricated information.The former governor declared that “criminality is criminality,” stressing that no individual or political group should hide behind politics to engage in acts he considers unlawful. He warned that those found making defamatory statements or circulating forged documents against him or his political associates would face legal consequences once the election campaign period comes to an end.
Addressing supporters, Bello said there was a growing trend of political actors using falsehoods as campaign tools instead of presenting ideas and policies to voters.According to him, democracy thrives when political parties compete through constructive debates, issue-based campaigns, and respect for the rule of law rather than personal attacks.The former governor emphasized that disagreements in politics should not degenerate into criminal behaviour, insisting that individuals who intentionally spread false information or forge documents to tarnish another person’s image must be held accountable under Nigerian law.
He noted that while he remains focused on supporting the political process peacefully, he would not hesitate to seek legal redress against anyone found responsible for defamatory publications or forged materials intended to injure his reputation. Political Criminals Must Stop, Bello Says In his remarks, Bello specifically referred to certain unnamed individuals as political criminals, alleging that they were attempting to manipulate public opinion through misinformation.
He warned that political actors in Kogi Central should conduct their campaigns responsibly and avoid actions capable of inciting unnecessary tension or misleading voters.According to Bello, elections should be contests of ideas and leadership qualities rather than platforms for personal vendettas.He argued that forging documents, fabricating stories, or publishing defamatory content undermines democratic values and weakens public confidence in the electoral process.While refraining from identifying specific individuals or political groups, Bello maintained that those engaging in such practices were fully aware of their actions and should prepare to defend them in court after the election season.
The former governor stressed that he intends to rely solely on lawful means to protect his reputation.Rather than responding through political exchanges, Bello said he would pursue civil and criminal legal remedies where necessary after campaigns conclude.He explained that allowing election activities to finish before initiating legal proceedings would help avoid unnecessary distractions from the democratic process.
According to him, every Nigerian has a constitutional right to protect his or her reputation against false accusations and malicious publications.Legal experts note that Nigerian law provides remedies for defamation where an individual can demonstrate that false statements have caused reputational damage. Similarly, the forgery of official documents remains a criminal offence punishable under relevant provisions of Nigerian law.
Bello’s comments come amid heightened political activity in Kogi State as political stakeholders prepare for future electoral contests.Kogi Central has increasingly become one of the state’s most politically competitive districts, with major political parties intensifying grassroots mobilization and public engagement. Observers have noted that election seasons across Nigeria often witness increased political rhetoric, allegations, counter-allegations, and intense media campaigns as candidates and their supporters seek electoral advantage.
Political analysts have consistently urged parties to embrace issue-based campaigns focused on governance, economic development, education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth employment, and security rather than personal attacks.Civil society organisations have equally emphasized the importance of responsible political communication, warning that misinformation and inflammatory rhetoric can heighten political tensions and undermine public trust.Importance of Responsible.
Political communication experts argue that elections function best when campaigns remain focused on policy alternatives and measurable development plans.The spread of unverified allegations, manipulated documents, or defamatory statements can distort democratic decision-making by diverting public attention from substantive governance issues.Media organisations and election observers have repeatedly encouraged politicians, supporters, and online influencers to verify information before publication and avoid circulating misleading content capable of influencing voters through false narratives.Digital platforms have also become central to modern political campaigns, making fact-checking and responsible journalism increasingly important. Election observers believe that both politicians and the media share responsibility for ensuring that campaign discourse remains factual, balanced, and respectful of democratic principles.
Defamation disputes frequently emerge during election periods in many democracies, including Nigeria.Legal practitioners explain that while political criticism is protected as part of democratic participation, knowingly publishing false statements that damage another person’s reputation may expose individuals to legal liability.Similarly, allegations involving forged documents are regarded as serious criminal matters requiring investigation by appropriate law enforcement agencies.
Analysts argue that political parties should encourage supporters to rely on verified information rather than rumours or manipulated materials circulating across social media platforms.The increasing influence of digital communication has amplified concerns over misinformation, making media literacy and responsible reporting more important than ever.
As political activities continue across Kogi State, stakeholders have continued urging candidates and supporters to maintain peace before, during, and after elections.Religious leaders, community organisations, traditional rulers, and election observers have consistently appealed for tolerance among political actors.The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and civil society groups have also repeatedly emphasized the need for peaceful participation and adherence to electoral laws throughout campaign periods. Political commentators believe that reducing inflammatory rhetoric and prioritising issue-based engagement could strengthen democratic institutions while promoting voter confidence.
The remarks by Yahaya Bello have once again highlighted the broader conversation surrounding ethics in Nigerian politics.Across several election cycles, observers have expressed concern about the growing use of misinformation, online propaganda, manipulated content, and personal attacks during campaigns.Experts argue that strengthening democratic culture requires commitment from politicians, political parties, journalists, civil society organisations, technology platforms, and voters alike.Transparency, accountability, respect for opposing views, and adherence to the rule of law remain fundamental principles for sustaining democratic governance.Whether Bello eventually initiates legal proceedings against alleged defamers will depend on developments after the electioneering period, as indicated in his public remarks.
For now, his warning serves as another reminder of the increasing legal and political scrutiny surrounding campaign conduct in Nigeria.As political competition intensifies in Kogi Central, observers will be watching closely to see whether political actors heed calls for responsible campaigning and whether electoral debates increasingly focus on governance priorities rather than personal accusations.The coming months are expected to test the commitment of political stakeholders to democratic values, lawful political engagement, and peaceful electoral competition in one of Nigeria’s closely watched political environments.
Sources
Channels Television, The Punch, Vanguard Nigeria, Premium Times Nigeria, Daily Trust- The Cable
