Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for a potential political 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 with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders from the senatorial district.
A video shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday showed the former governor formally accepting calls from supporters to seek the senatorial ticket.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello said while addressing the gathering.
The visit was attended by Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside other political figures and community leaders from across the district.
During the meeting, Governor Ododo reportedly urged Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents to represent Kogi Central in the National Assembly.
The appeal was made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential personalities from the area, underscoring the political significance of the gathering.
Bello served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
His declaration is widely seen as an effort to maintain his political relevance and influence in Kogi Central after leaving office.
In a related development, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, congratulated the former governor on his decision to contest the seat.
Eneji was quoted as saying that Bello had made notable contributions to the unity and development of the Ebira people, adding that his leadership would remain significant in the 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 governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan, made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Nigerian Senate.
