Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central, has responded with notable composure to the declaration by former Governor Yahaya Bello to contest for her senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections. Through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, the senator stated she does not view the development as a threat to her political career.
Senator Welcomes Challenge, Expresses Confidence
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan explicitly welcomed Bello's entry into the race. "We don't see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them," she said, signaling strong confidence ahead of the electoral battle. Her calm reaction stands in contrast to the heightened tension that often follows such high-profile political declarations.
The senator, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Senate. She secured her seat in 2023 after a prolonged legal contest and has since established herself as a prominent voice in the National Assembly.
Bello's Declaration at Ebiraland Palace
The political landscape shifted when former Governor Yahaya Bello publicly announced his senatorial ambition. The declaration occurred during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland on 4 January 2026. Addressing traditional rulers, religious leaders, and stakeholders, Bello stated, "I accept to run for the Senate in 2027."
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was present at the event and reportedly appealed to Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent the district at the National Assembly. This appeal was made in the presence of the Ohinoyi and other influential figures from Kogi Central, adding significant weight to the announcement.
A Closely Watched 2027 Showdown
With the 2027 elections on the horizon, Kogi Central is poised for a fiercely contested race. The contest pits a first-term female senator against a former two-term governor, highlighting the evolving and dynamic nature of politics in the state. This race is expected to be one of the key battlegrounds in Kogi State.
The outcome will likely be determined by several critical factors:
- Party loyalty within the district.
- The power of incumbency for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.
- The grassroots influence and legacy of former Governor Bello.
- The role of traditional institutions and local stakeholders.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's strategy of treating Bello's entry as a challenge rather than a threat sets the tone for what promises to be a defining political contest for the region.
