Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections during a December 30, 2025, visit to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland's palace, aiming to unseat incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Addressing traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders, Bello accepted calls from Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and supporters, pledging to advance President Tinubu's reforms at the National Assembly.
Bello, an APC heavyweight who governed from 2016-2024, highlighted fuel subsidy removal and student loans as Tinubu's bold steps, positioning himself as Kogi Central's voice amid EFCC probes into N80 billion fraud allegations. Ododo's presence underscored party backing in the Ebira-dominated district.
The move sets up a fierce APC primary or cross-party clash with PDP's Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose Senate rifts with leadership fuel speculation; Bello's entry energizes his base despite legal clouds. Stakeholders hailed his infrastructure legacy like Ebira university and security gains.
This bolsters APC's Kogi grip post-Bello's succession to Ododo, amid national realignments like Kwankwaso defection pressures. Critics question his eligibility amid trials, but supporters predict victory; primaries loom as 2027 heats up.