Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has obtained the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to contest for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bello picked up the form on Saturday, formally confirming his intention to return to elective politics after completing his two-term tenure as governor of Kogi State.
The move signals his official entry into the race for the senatorial district, where he is expected to emerge as the APC’s consensus candidate.
If he eventually contests in the general election, Bello is expected to face the incumbent senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The anticipated contest is already drawing attention, given the political prominence of both figures and the strategic importance of Kogi Central in the state’s political calculations.
Bello served as governor of Kogi State for two consecutive terms before handing over power to his successor, Governor Usman Ododo.
His decision to seek a seat in the Senate marks a significant political comeback and could reshape the political landscape in Kogi Central ahead of the next election cycle.
Political observers view his senatorial ambition as part of a broader effort to retain influence within Kogi politics following the end of his governorship tenure.
His expected emergence as the APC consensus candidate may also set the stage for a high-profile contest between two major political actors with considerable support bases.
The development adds to growing political activity across the country as aspirants continue to position themselves for the 2027 elections.
Neither the APC nor the PDP has issued further official statements regarding the expected contest as of the time of this report.
What You Should Know
Yahaya Bello’s decision to contest for the Kogi Central senatorial seat marks his formal return to frontline electoral politics after completing his tenure as governor.
His likely emergence as APC’s consensus candidate could trigger one of the most closely watched Senate races in the 2027 elections. The expected face-off with incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is significant because both politicians command strong political influence in Kogi State.
Bello’s senatorial ambition is also seen as an attempt to maintain political relevance and strengthen his influence in state and national politics beyond his governorship years.
