Bello made the declaration on Wednesday during a meeting with a group of prime agents who participated in the last APC membership e-registration exercise in the local government.
He explained that the group announced their collective decision to align with his political direction and support Hon. Babatunde Tella.
“One of them spoke on behalf of the group and said they had all agreed to follow my political direction. They said they discovered that I have been working for Prince Babatunde Tella and because of that, they have decided to endorse him and work seriously for him in their wards.” he stated.
Bello also dismissed rumours alleging that his support for the lawmaker was financially motivated.
“Some people have been saying that I collected money from him or that I am trying to repay him because he once supported me. I want to state this clearly, he has never given me money and has never supported my aspiration in the past.
“In fact, he was once against my ambition. However, that does not stop me from doing what is right,” he said.
Stating Tella’s legislative record, Bello described his performance as unmatched among current aspirants.
“I believe he has the qualities, the ability, and the capacity to represent us well in the State Assembly. His track record speaks for itself. Look at the motions he has moved and the bills he has sponsored and co-sponsored. If he is not returned to the Assembly, it will be a great loss to our constituency,” he added.
Recounting his involvement in Tella’s political journey, Bello noted that he served as Secretary General of the Campaign Council when the lawmaker first contested and remains proud of that decision.
“I have no regrets supporting him. If I have the opportunity again, I will still work for him,” he said.
He further emphasized Tella’s extensive political experience, describing the gap between him and other aspirants as significant.
“The difference between Tella and other aspirants is as far as from here to Mecca. He is incomparable. He has the experience that others do not have. He has served as SSG at the council, party chairman, supervisor, and local government chairman before getting to the House of Assembly,” .
Calling for party unity, the APC chieftain urged members and stakeholders to rally behind the lawmaker.
“My advice to everyone is simple, let us close ranks and work together. All party members and political gladiators should unite to ensure we return that man to the House of Assembly,” he said.
Also speaking, the spokesperson of the group Adekanbi Kabir said the group’s decision was driven by their confidence in Bello’s leadership and Tella’s performance.
“Because of the love we have for Hon. Wale Bello as the local government supervisor during the e-registration exercise, we came together to support him and join him in supporting Hon. Babatunde Tella. We assure him that we will mobilize for Tella across wards 1 to 16,” Kabir said.
He praised Tella’s first-term performance and expressing confidence in his continued leadership.
“Tella has done well in his first tenure and we want him to continue,” he said.
