Yahaya Bello declares interest in Kogi Central senate seat

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Bello made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders from the senatorial district.

A video of the visit and his declaration was shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” the former governor said while addressing the gathering.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was present at the event, alongside other political figures and community leaders.

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According to Peoples Daily, Ododo appealed to his predecessor to accede to calls from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent the district at the National Assembly.

The report said the appeal was made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures from the area.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a key figure within the All Progressives Congress in the state.

Meanwhile, Kogi Watch reported that the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, congratulated Bello for declaring his intention to run for the seat.

Eneji was reported as saying the former governor had worked extensively for the unity and development of the Ebira people, adding that Bello’s leadership would always feature prominently in the history of Ebiraland.

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.