Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello secured the APC's senatorial ticket for Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 election, even as he remains on trial over allegations involving between ₦80 billion and ₦110 billion in corruption and money laundering. Critics have pointed to the case as an example of the ruling party's tolerance for candidates facing serious corruption allegations, arguing it undercuts the government's own anti-graft messaging. The EFCC has separately faced scrutiny over its internal discipline, having dismissed more than 40 staff for corruption in the past three years while a senior officer faces fresh allegations of soliciting bribes to influence ongoing investigations.