Natasha Responds To Yahaya Bello’s Senatorial Ambition

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has dismissed concerns that the decision of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to contest her senatorial seat in 2027 poses any threat to her political future.

Akpoti-Uduaghan stated that she is under no form of pressure following Bello’s declaration, stressing that she welcomes the development.

Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, during an interview, the lawmaker explained that Bello’s ambition would not unsettle her.

She said, “We don’t see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them.”

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently held by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023 after a lengthy legal battle.

A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan, became the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Senate.

Bello had earlier declared his intention to run for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

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

A video of the visit, including his declaration, was shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello was heard saying while addressing the gathering.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was present at the event alongside other political figures and community leaders.

The governor was reported to have appealed to his predecessor to respond to calls from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent the district at the National Assembly.

The appeal was said to have been made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential stakeholders from the area.