Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has officially declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, igniting what promises to be a fiercely contested political battle in the district.
Bello made the announcement during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, meeting with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders. Sharing a video of the visit on his verified Facebook page, he said:
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” drawing applause from supporters.
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other prominent political figures were present, with Ododo reportedly urging Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents to represent the district at the National Assembly. The visit emphasized the broad local backing for the former governor’s senatorial ambitions.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), and his entry into the race dramatically reshapes the political landscape in Kogi Central.
The seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made history in 2023 as the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Senate. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, who reclaimed her mandate through the court after she was allegedly rigged out She has spent her term focusing on constituency development and legislative advocacy.
Her path to reelection, however, is set to be challenging. Bello’s strong political network in the state, coupled with his prior tenure as governor, positions him as a formidable contender. Analysts say Akpoti-Uduaghan will have to rely heavily on her record of constituency engagement, grassroots mobilization, and the support of progressive voters to withstand the high-profile challenge.
Political observers now predict a tense showdown in Kogi Central, as the contest between the first female senator and a former two-term governor is likely to dominate headlines and influence voter dynamics leading to 2027.
Recall that, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier challenged the former Governor, referring to herself as his “worst nightmare” ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed speculation about being intimidated by Bello, recalling her resounding victory over candidates he backed in the 2023 elections.
The first-term senator representing Kogi Central was unequivocal in her confidence, signaling that she is not intimidated by the prospect of facing the former governor in the 2027 senatorial elections.
“Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello. He may have been governor, wielded enormous power, and attempted to influence every corner of the political process, but I overcame him,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, recounting her victory in the 2023 elections.
She won decisively across all five local government areas in her district, even choosing not to contest a heavily rigged result in one area. “If we meet on the ballot in 2027, it won’t be a contest—it will be a reckoning. I am his nightmare,” she added
