The continuing detention of Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, a prominent aspirant for the Taraba Central Senatorial seat, has stirred a new wave of dispute in Taraba State. Bodejo, who also heads the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore Socio-Cultural Association, was taken into custody by DSS operatives in Jalingo on May 7, 2026, and subsequently moved to Abuja. Reports indicate that he is now being held by the EFCC.
Allegations have emerged that within two days of his arrest, authorities pressured him to drop his 2027 senatorial ambitions as a condition for release. Sources claim he was advised to wait until 2031 to contest. Bodejo’s campaign director, Adamu Isa, strongly condemned the arrest, calling it degrading and noting that the aspirant was paraded like a common criminal before his followers.
Isa emphasized that Bodejo, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has been a loyal party man who used personal funds and networks to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 elections. He argued that those opposing Bodejo’s candidacy should resort to dialogue rather than using security agencies for intimidation. Isa called on APC national leaders and stakeholders to ensure justice and secure Bodejo’s release. He also disclosed that a purported APC consensus committee in Taraba had never engaged Bodejo before his arrest.