Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi State, has declared his intention to contest the Kogi central senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.
Bello made the announcement during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders from the senatorial district.
A video of the palace visit and Bello’s declaration was posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday.
“I accept to run for the senate in 2027,” the former governor said while addressing the gathering.
Usman Ododo, governor of Kogi State, was present at the event alongside other political figures and community leaders.
According to Peoples Daily, Ododo urged his predecessor to heed the calls of party leaders and constituents who want him to represent the district at the national assembly.
The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures from the region.
Bello, who served as governor from 2016 to 2024, remains a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Meanwhile, Amoka Eneji, chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, congratulated Bello for declaring his senatorial ambitions, Kogi Watch reported.
Eneji said the former governor had contributed significantly to the unity and development of the Ebira people and that Bello’s leadership would always feature prominently in the history of Ebiraland.
The Kogi central senatorial seat is currently held by Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.