Yahaya Bello to Challenge Sen. Natasha in Kogi Central Senate Seat in 2027

Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has indicated his willingness to vie for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections following sustained pressure from political stakeholders, traditional rulers and supporters across the district.

Bello’s decision emerged after a high-level consultative visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional leaders, religious figures and community elders from Kogi Central to deliberate on the political future of the zone.

Sources familiar with the discussions disclosed that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo personally led the delegation that appealed to his predecessor, urging him to heed calls from party leaders and constituents to challenge the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in the forthcoming election.

The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi and other influential stakeholders from the senatorial district, lending significant political weight to the meeting.

Although Bello was said to have initially expressed reservations, sources noted that he eventually accepted the call after extensive consultations and persuasion. Stakeholders reportedly argued that his experience in governance and political influence would enhance the quality of representation for Kogi Central in the National Assembly.

Bello’s acceptance is already being regarded as a major political development in Kogi State, particularly within Kogi Central, where political alignments are beginning to shift ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Having served as governor from 2016 to 2024, Bello remains a dominant figure in the state’s political landscape and within the ruling party, commanding strong grassroots support across the senatorial district. Political analysts believe his entry into the race is likely to heighten competition and significantly reshape the political dynamics in Kogi Central ahead of 2027.