President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been passionately appealed for to intervene urgently and unconditionally release Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo, a prominent leader within Fulani pastoral groups in Nigeria.
The appeal was made by the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Nigerian Youths for Democracy and Good Governance, Comrade Olatunji Olawole, in an open appeal letter to the President which he issued on Sunday.
In the letter made available to the Journalists, Olatunji Olawole stated that thousands of Belio Bodejo’s followers, supporters, and well-wishers across the country are in deep pain and emotional distress over his continued detention.
He described Bello Bodejo as a man who stood firmly with the APC and with President Bola Tinubu during the 2023 general elections, mobilizing support, sacrificing personal comfort, and dedicating time and resources to the party’s success.
“Despite repeated intimidation, challenges, and arrests, Bello Bodejo never abandoned the APC,” Olatunji Olawole wrote.
According to him, “He remained loyal and committed even when many expected him to walk away. His decision to contest for the Taraba Central Senatorial seat under the APC was driven by his desire to continue serving his people and strengthening the party at the grassroots.”
The coalition noted that on the day of his official declaration in Jalingo, Taraba State, Bello Bodejo was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and later transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, where he has remained in detention since 8th May 2026.
“Since then, supporters, family members, associates, and admirers have continued to appeal for justice and fairness,” The Coalition stated.
Olatunji Olawole emphasized Bello Bodejo’s significance beyond ordinary party politics, stating that to millions of Fulani youths and pastoral communities across Northern Nigeria, he is seen as a symbol of hope, courage, unity, and leadership.
According to him, “Many people regard him as their voice, protector, and guiding light. His followers love him and believe in him wholeheartedly. That is why his continued incarceration is creating sadness, anger, and disappointment among many loyal APC supporters.”
The coalition also highlighted the political weight of the Fulani community, which it described as one of the strongest blocs in Northern Nigeria.
“Their support is very crucial to the success of any political party or candidate. Ignoring the cries of these people and the continued detention of a man they hold dearly may create avoidable political wounds ahead of 2027,” the letter warned.
Olatunji Olawole further expressed concern that those behind Bodejo’s repeated arrests and continued detention do not mean well for President Bola Tinubu, the APC, or the unity and stability of the party moving forward.
He argued that Bello Bodejo’s leadership within Fulani groups has been instrumental in mobilizing pastoral communities toward political participation under the APC banner.
The coalition therefore humbly appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to listen to the cries of the people and use his fatherly position to secure the unconditional release of Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo.
“We believe this action is in the interest of justice, peace, unity, and political stability as we move toward the next electoral cycle,” Olawole concluded.
