Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has formally declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Bello made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland. The meeting brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders, and community representatives from across the senatorial district.
A video from the visit later appeared on Bello’s verified Facebook page, where he openly confirmed his ambition to run for the Senate.
Speaking directly to the gathering, the former governor said he had accepted appeals from leaders and constituents to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello said, drawing applause from attendees at the palace.
The declaration immediately drew attention within Kogi’s political space, given Bello’s long-standing influence in the state and his central role in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The event was attended by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside several serving and former political office holders from the district.
Bello’s Senate ambition takes shape in Ebiraland
Bello’s announcement followed what party insiders described as weeks of consultations with political leaders, elders, and grassroots supporters across Kogi Central.
According to a report by Peoples Daily, Governor Ododo publicly urged Bello to heed calls from APC leaders and constituents asking him to contest the seat. The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other prominent figures from the area.
Observers note that such a setting carries cultural and political weight in Ebiraland, where traditional institutions often play influential roles in shaping consensus on leadership matters.
Bello governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, becoming one of the youngest governors in Nigeria’s history when he first assumed office. During his tenure, he remained a dominant political force within the APC, Nigeria’s ruling party, which currently controls the presidency and a majority in the National Assembly.
Supporters at the palace described Bello’s declaration as a continuation of his public service, this time at the federal legislative level. His allies believe his experience as governor positions him to pursue constituency interests in Abuja.
Separately, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, congratulated Bello following the declaration. Eneji reportedly commended Bello’s role in fostering unity among the Ebira people.
He was quoted as saying Bello’s leadership efforts would “remain a significant part of Ebiraland’s history,” while encouraging continued political engagement across the district.
A Looming Epic Contest for Kogi Central
The Kogi Central Senatorial District is currently represented by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who won the seat in the 2023 general elections. She became the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, has maintained a visible presence in national legislative debates since her inauguration.
The Nigerian Senate, where she serves, is the upper chamber of the National Assembly and is responsible for lawmaking, oversight, and confirmations.
In a recent interview, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was still consulting with supporters and stakeholders on whether to seek re-election in 2027. However, she signaled readiness for a political contest if she decides to run.
“If I do, bring the game on,” she said, referring to her preparedness to face Bello, who is often called the “White Lion” of Kogi politics by his supporters.
The prospect of a Bello–Akpoti-Uduaghan contest has already sparked conversations across Kogi Central, particularly on social media and political forums. Analysts note that both figures command loyal followings and strong name recognition within the district.
Under Nigeria’s electoral framework, candidates for the Senate must secure party nominations before facing the general electorate. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) oversees this process and sets official timelines for primaries and elections, as outlined on its official platform.
As 2027 approaches, political watchers expect intensified consultations, alliances, and grassroots mobilization across Kogi Central.
Will Bello’s influence as a former governor translate into legislative victory? Or could the district retain its first female senator amid a high-stakes rematch? It must be remembered that Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan defeated ex-governor Bello’s preferred senatorial candidate in the 2023 election.
In the 2023 Kogi Central Senatorial election, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was ultimately declared the winner after election petitions and court rulings.
She defeated Abubakar Sadiku-Ohere, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in that contest. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) initially declared Sadiku-Ohere winner after the February 25 election, but the Election Petition Tribunal later nullified his victory and declared Akpoti-Uduaghan the rightful winner. The Court of Appeal upheld that judgement, confirming her as the senator-elect for Kogi Central.
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