Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has officially announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, signaling a new phase in the political landscape of the state. The announcement was made during a high-profile visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where Bello engaged with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from across the senatorial district, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive leadership and grassroots consultation ahead of his political bid.
A video shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday captured the former governor addressing the gathering, in which he made his intentions clear. “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello declared, eliciting strong reactions from attendees and supporters present at the palace. The event drew attention not only from local constituents but also from political analysts and followers across the state, highlighting the significance of Bello’s entry into the senatorial race.
The ceremony was attended by notable political figures, including the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as other leaders and community representatives. According to a report from Peoples Daily, Governor Ododo appealed to Bello to heed calls from party leaders, constituents, and stakeholders who are eager for him to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly. This endorsement, reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures, underscored the level of political support and recognition Bello continues to command within the state and the All Progressives Congress (APC) party structure.
Yahaya Bello, who served as the governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is widely regarded as a major power broker within the APC in Kogi State, leveraging his political network, governance experience, and influence in local and national politics. His entry into the race is expected to reshape political calculations in Kogi Central, drawing attention from opponents, supporters, and political commentators alike. Bello’s candidacy signals a renewed focus on development, representation, and continuity of his political vision in the district.
The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Senate. Her tenure and political achievements have contributed to raising the profile of the district at the national level, and her presence in the 2027 race is expected to make the contest highly competitive. With Bello now officially joining the senatorial race, political attention in Kogi Central is anticipated to intensify, with key stakeholders, party leaders, and voters closely monitoring developments as political alignments begin to take shape ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The announcement of Bello’s candidacy also reflects broader political strategies within the APC, as the party seeks to consolidate influence and strengthen its representation at the National Assembly. Observers expect increased campaign activity, stakeholder consultations, and policy discussions in the coming months as politicians and constituents prepare for a heated electoral contest in Kogi Central. Bello’s declaration has thus set the stage for what promises to be a significant and closely watched political showdown in the state, with implications for both party dynamics and legislative representation at the national level.