Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has taken a major step toward a return to elective office after obtaining the senatorial nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Kogi Central district ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bello, who reportedly picked up the form on Saturday, is said to have secured the backing of key stakeholders within the party, emerging as its consensus candidate for the race. The development signals a strong start to his senatorial ambition, as party consensus often reduces the likelihood of internal contests during primaries.
If confirmed as the APC flag bearer, Bello is expected to face a keen contest against the incumbent lawmaker, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who currently represents Kogi Central under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The anticipated face-off is already drawing attention, given the political weight of both figures and the strategic importance of the district.
Bello’s entry into the senatorial race marks a continuation of his political journey following his two-term tenure as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024. During his time in office, he remained a prominent figure within the APC and maintained influence in the state’s political structure.
After completing his tenure, he handed over leadership to his successor, Usman Ododo, who is widely regarded as his political ally. Bello’s move to contest for the Senate is seen by observers as an effort to sustain his relevance on the national political stage while continuing to shape the political direction of Kogi State.
With the 2027 elections still some distance away, political alignments and campaigns are expected to intensify in the coming months, particularly in Kogi Central, where the contest is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched senatorial races in the state.
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