2027: Yahaya Bello declares bid for Kogi Central Senate seat

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, setting up a possible contest with the incumbent, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Bello made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders from across the senatorial district.

A video from the visit, shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday, showed the former governor responding to calls for him to seek the seat.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello told the gathering.

The event was attended by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside other political figures and community leaders from the district.

Governor Ododo reportedly urged Bello to answer the calls from party leaders and constituents who want him to represent Kogi Central in the National Assembly. The appeal was said to have been made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other prominent stakeholders.

Bello served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains a key figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. His declaration is seen as an effort to retain strong political relevance in the district after leaving office.

In a related development, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, reportedly congratulated Bello on his decision to contest the seat.

Eneji was quoted as saying that Bello made significant contributions to the unity and development of the Ebira people, adding that his leadership would be remembered in the history of Ebiraland.

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023. A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, she made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.

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