Bello Declares 2027 Senate Bid, Targets Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Kogi Central Seat

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has entered the 2027 race for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, positioning himself to challenge incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Bello announced his decision during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met traditional rulers, religious leaders, and key stakeholders from the district. Addressing the gathering, the former governor said he had accepted calls to contest and was ready to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello told the audience.

The declaration drew notable political attention, with Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other party leaders and community figures in attendance.

Bello served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. His entry into the contest sets up an early showdown with Akpoti-Uduaghan, who won the Kogi Central seat in the 2023 elections.