Okene, Kogi State – Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, has officially announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 general elections, directly challenging the incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The declaration, made on December 29-30, 2025, during a high-profile courtesy visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, marks Bello's return to elective politics after completing his two-term governorship from 2016 to 2024.
Addressing a gathering of traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, and political figures at the magnificent palace in Okene, Bello formally accepted persistent calls from supporters and party leaders. “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” he declared, eliciting applause from attendees. A video of the moment, shared on Bello's verified social media pages, quickly went viral, confirming his ambition amid months of speculation.
The event was graced by the current Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who publicly appealed to Bello to heed the calls from constituents and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders to represent the district in the National Assembly. Ododo's presence underscored the strong backing Bello enjoys within the state's ruling party apparatus, with several local government chairmen and APC chieftains also in attendance.
Local leaders wasted no time in endorsing the move. Hon. Amoka Eneji, Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, congratulated Bello, describing his potential candidacy as being in the "best interest of Kogi Central, particularly the Ebira nation." Eneji praised Bello's past contributions to Ebira unity and development, stating that his leadership "would be remembered prominently in the history of Ebiraland."
Kogi Central Senatorial District, predominantly Ebira and comprising five local government areas—Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene, and Ogori-Magongo—has been a political hotspot. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and activist, made history in 2023 as the first woman to represent the district after a protracted legal battle overturned an initial APC victory. Running on the PDP platform, she has focused on constituency projects, women empowerment, and infrastructure advocacy.
Bello's entry reignites a longstanding rivalry. Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously accused Bello of political intimidation and even threats during her 2023 campaign. In recent statements, she has dismissed fears of facing him, saying, “If Yahaya Bello is on the ballot, bring it on—I’m not scared.” Analysts predict a fiercely contested race, with zoning traditions, party loyalty, and Bello's influence within APC potentially clashing against Akpoti-Uduaghan's cross-party appeal and grassroots support.
Despite ongoing legal challenges—including EFCC cases alleging misappropriation of over N80 billion and N110 billion—Bello remains a dominant APC figure in Kogi. His declaration signals confidence in navigating these hurdles while mobilizing Ebira solidarity.
As 2027 approaches, this potential showdown could reshape Kogi politics, influencing APC unity and PDP strategies statewide. Stakeholders anticipate intense consultations, with implications for governance continuity under Governor Ododo.
The announcement has generated widespread reactions, highlighting Bello's enduring popularity among supporters while raising questions about accountability in public office. With traditional rulers playing a pivotal role in Ebira politics, the palace declaration adds cultural weight to Bello's bid.
Political watchers describe the impending contest as one of Nigeria's most anticipated senatorial battles, blending personal rivalries, ethnic dynamics, and national party tensions in the heart of the North-Central region.
