Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, formally re-entering the political arena barely three years after leaving office.
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 drawn from across the senatorial district. A video of the visit and his announcement was shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello said while addressing the gathering, drawing applause from supporters present at the event.
The former governor was accompanied by his successor, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside other political leaders and influential figures from the area. According to Peoples Daily, Governor Ododo used the occasion to appeal to Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents who have been urging him to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly.
The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other respected traditional and opinion leaders, signalling broad elite support for Bello’s senatorial ambition within the district.
Bello governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. His tenure, though often controversial, solidified his political influence in Ebira land, where he commands a strong grassroots following.
Reacting to the declaration, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, congratulated Bello for accepting to run for the seat. In comments reported by Kogi Watch, Eneji said the former governor had worked tirelessly for the unity and development of the Ebira people.
He added that Bello’s leadership and political role would remain a defining chapter in the history of Ebiraland, expressing confidence that he would effectively represent the district if elected.
The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023. A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate, a feat widely celebrated across the state and beyond.
Bello’s declaration sets the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested race in 2027, with significant political implications for Kogi State and the balance of power within the APC in the North-Central region.
