Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has formally entered the race for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections after obtaining the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Bello, who reportedly received the party’s nomination documents on Saturday, has also emerged as the consensus candidate of the APC for the contest, a development that signals early consolidation of support within the party’s structure in Kogi Central.
Party insiders say the consensus arrangement followed consultations among key stakeholders aimed at presenting a united front in what is expected to be a keenly contested race. The move is also seen as part of a broader strategy by the APC to retain political dominance in Kogi State.
The former governor is set to challenge the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who currently represents Kogi Central in the National Assembly.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a prominent figure within the PDP, has built a reputation as an outspoken lawmaker since assuming office. Her expected bid for re-election is likely to set the stage for a high-profile political contest between two well-known figures with significant grassroots followings in the district.
Bello’s entry into the race marks a return to frontline electoral politics following the completion of his two-term tenure as governor of Kogi State. During his time in office, he was regarded as one of the youngest governors in Nigeria’s history and played a notable role in the internal politics of the APC at both state and national levels.
After leaving office, Bello handed over leadership to his political ally and successor, Usman Ododo, whose emergence further cemented Bello’s influence within the state’s political landscape.
Observers note that Bello’s decision to pursue a senatorial seat could reshape the political dynamics in Kogi Central, particularly given his established political network and the APC’s strong presence in the state.
While the APC appears to have closed ranks around Bello, the PDP is also expected to mobilise heavily to defend its seat, making the contest one of the most closely watched senatorial races in the 2027 elections.
Political analysts suggest that issues such as infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic opportunities will dominate campaign discussions as both candidates seek to appeal to voters across the district.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gradually gather momentum, attention is already turning to Kogi Central, where the battle between Bello and Akpoti-Uduaghan is shaping up to be a defining political showdown with implications for both state and national politics.
