Bello Announces Senate Ambition, Braces for 2027 Face-Off With Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has formally declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what is expected to be an intense political contest in the district.

Bello made his declaration during a courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other key community stakeholders. In a video shared on his verified Facebook page, the former governor openly announced his decision, stating, “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” a remark that was met with cheers from supporters.
The visit was attended by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other notable political figures. Ododo was said to have encouraged Bello to respond positively to appeals from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly. The engagement highlighted what observers describe as strong grassroots and political backing for Bello’s senatorial aspiration.
Having governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, Bello remains a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His entry into the race is widely seen as a significant development that could redefine the political dynamics of Kogi Central.
The senatorial seat is currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who made history in 2023 as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate. A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan reclaimed her mandate through the courts after alleging that she was rigged out. Since assuming office, she has focused on constituency development and legislative advocacy.
However, her re-election bid is expected to face stiff opposition. Bello’s extensive political structure and influence in the state, reinforced by his years as governor, position him as a formidable challenger. Political analysts note that Akpoti-Uduaghan will likely depend on her legislative record, grassroots engagement, and support from progressive voters to counter the high-profile challenge.
Observers predict a heated contest in Kogi Central, with the anticipated clash between a former two-term governor and the district’s first female senator likely to dominate political discourse as the 2027 elections draw closer.
It will be recalled that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier issued a bold response to Bello’s potential candidacy, describing herself as his “worst nightmare” ahead of the elections. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, she dismissed claims that she was intimidated by Bello, referencing her victory over candidates he supported during the 2023 polls.
Expressing confidence, the first-term senator insisted she remains unfazed by the prospect of facing the former governor. “Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello. He may have been governor and wielded enormous power, but I overcame him,” she said, recalling her success in the last election.
Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that she won convincingly across all five local government areas in her district, even opting not to contest a heavily rigged outcome in one area. “If we meet on the ballot in 2027, it won’t be a contest—it will be a reckoning. I am his nightmare,” she added.