By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
The Campaign Council of Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bo’dejo, a leading aspirant for the 2027 Taraba Central Senatorial seat, has strongly condemned his arrest by security operatives, describing the development as unfortunate and an infringement on his fundamental rights.
Bo’dejo, who is the National President of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, arrived in Jalingo on Thursday, May 7, 2026, aboard a private jet through the Danbaba Suntai Airport.
He later visited the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Taraba State, Alhaji Abubakar Bawa, at the party secretariat, where he formally declared his intention to contest for the Taraba Central Senatorial seat.
According to the campaign council, the visit attracted an unprecedented crowd of supporters, with many reportedly unable to gain access to the APC secretariat due to the massive turnout.
The council described the reception as one of the largest political gatherings witnessed in Taraba State since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999.
Following the meeting with party leaders, Bo’dejo reportedly retired to the Blue Nile Hotel in Jalingo, where he was lodged before he was allegedly taken away around 6:30 p.m. by plain-clothed operatives suspected to be officials of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement issued by the Director-General of the Bo’dejo Campaign Council, Alhaji Adamu Kurmi, the council described the arrest as an act of intimidation targeted at both the aspirant and his supporters across the Taraba Central Senatorial District.
Kurmi alleged that political opponents of the aspirant may have been unsettled by the overwhelming support demonstrated during the visit, noting that the large turnout from the airport through major parts of Jalingo to the APC secretariat reflected Bo’dejo’s growing political acceptance.
He maintained that the campaign team remains undeterred, insisting that the aspirant had duly purchased and submitted his nomination and expression of interest forms in line with party procedures.
The campaign council further stated that security agencies in the state had been formally notified ahead of Bo’dejo’s visit, adding that acknowledged copies of the communication were obtained and documented.
While appealing to supporters to remain calm and law-abiding, Kurmi disclosed that the aspirant’s legal team was already taking steps to secure his immediate release so he could resume consultations and other political activities in Taraba State.
As of the time of filing this report, the reason for Bo’dejo’s arrest and his whereabouts had yet to be officially disclosed. However, many of his supporters believe the development may be linked to fears among political rivals over his rising popularity within the party.
