Bello Flags Off 2027 Race Early, Declares Ododo Unstoppable

By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul

In a politically charged declaration that could reshape Kogi State’s 2027 landscape, former Governor Yahaya Bello has thrown his full weight behind Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, warning that any opposition will be “wasting time and resources.”

Bello made the statement on Wednesday while receiving members of the Kogi Central Journalists Guild at his Abuja residence, where he boldly affirmed: “There will be no vacancy in Lugard House.”

The endorsement, coming just over a year into Ododo’s first term, is widely seen as a strategic move to lock down the state’s political trajectory ahead of 2027, effectively discouraging intra-party and opposition challengers.

“Ododo has proven in just one year that he’s not only a worthy successor but a builder in his own right,” Bello said. “From infrastructure to security and agriculture, the results speak for themselves.”

Bello’s praise for Ododo’s continuity in governance—especially in security, where he noted Kogi remains one of Nigeria’s safest states—adds weight to a growing narrative that the incumbent is quietly consolidating power and public goodwill.

Political analysts say Bello’s early and emphatic endorsement signals a clear intent to preserve his political legacy and influence while positioning Ododo as the rallying point for Kogi’s future development.

Bello also lauded Ododo’s strides in agriculture, describing the administration’s push toward food security as timely and visionary. “We’re not just feeding ourselves; we’re preparing to feed the region,” he stated.

He called on citizens across party lines to unite behind the governor, emphasizing that “Kogi’s future is a shared responsibility.”

With this move, the former governor has not only amplified Ododo’s growing profile but also set the tone for what could become a seamless re-election bid—barring any major political upheavals.