Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, signalling a likely political contest with the current 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 key stakeholders from the senatorial district.
A video of the engagement, posted on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday, showed the former governor formally accepting calls to join the race.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello said while addressing those present.
The event was attended by the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside several political leaders and prominent community figures across the district.
Governor Ododo appealed to Bello to listen to appeals from party stakeholders and constituents urging him to represent Kogi Central in the National Assembly. The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential community leaders.
Bello served as Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and continues to wield significant political influence within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. His declaration is widely viewed as an effort to retain political relevance in the district after leaving office.
In a related development, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, was said to have congratulated the former governor on his decision to contest the senatorial seat.
Eneji was quoted as saying that Bello played an important role in promoting unity and development among the Ebira people, adding that his leadership would remain notable in the political history of Ebiraland.
The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023. A lawyer and former gubernatorial aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan, became the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.
