Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has officially declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
The announcement came during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where Bello met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from across the senatorial district.
In a video shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday, Bello told the gathering, “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027.”
His declaration was made in the presence of current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, and other political leaders.
Governor Ododo reportedly appealed to Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents eager for his representation in the National Assembly.
The appeal was made publicly before the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential local figures.
Bello, who served as Kogi State Governor from 2016 to 2024, is regarded as a major power broker within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
With his entry, the race for Kogi Central is expected to intensify, especially given the district’s current representation by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the first woman elected to the Senate from the area in 2023.
Meanwhile, party watchers are closely monitoring how other potential contenders will respond to his announcement.
“This move by Bello has set the stage for one of the most closely watched senatorial battles in Kogi,”.
“It signals that Kogi Central will be a key focus area for the APC as the elections approach.”
