Yahaya Bello Declares 2027 Bid For Kogi Central Senatorial Seat
Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has announced his plan to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. The declaration came during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where Bello met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from the senatorial district. A video of the visit and his announcement was shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday. “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello told the gathering. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo attended the event alongside other political leaders. Reports from Peoples Daily indicated that Ododo urged Bello to consider the calls from party leaders and constituents encouraging him to represent Kogi Central in the National Assembly. The appeal was made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures. Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a leading figure within the All Progressives Congress in the state. The Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, also commended Bello for declaring his senatorial ambition. Eneji praised the former governor’s efforts toward the unity and development of the Ebira people, noting that his leadership would remain a significant part of Ebiraland’s history. The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is presently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, is the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.