Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has formally declared 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 other community stakeholders from across the senatorial district. A video of the visit and his announcement was shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday.
Addressing the gathering, the former governor openly accepted the calls to represent the district at the National Assembly. “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello stated.
The event was attended by the current Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside several political leaders and community figures. According to reports by Peoples Daily, Governor Ododo urged his predecessor to heed appeals from party leaders and constituents who want him to contest the senatorial seat.
The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential personalities from the area.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is regarded as a major political force within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Meanwhile, Kogi Watch reported that the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, congratulated Bello on his declaration. Eneji was quoted as saying that the former governor had made significant contributions to the unity and development of the Ebira people.
He added that Bello’s leadership and impact would remain an enduring part of the history of Ebiraland.
The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently held 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 Nigerian Senate.
