Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, has declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, ahead of the 2027 general election.
Bello made his declaration on Monday, December 29, 2025, while addressing traditional rulers and political stakeholders in Ebiraland, where he said he had accepted calls from supporters to represent the district at the National Assembly.
The declaration became widely public the following day after videos and reports of the meeting circulated.
The Kogi Central Senatorial District comprises Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene and Ogori-Magongo local government areas and is presently represented by Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Although the former governor has not issued a formal written statement, sources close to him said consultations with party leaders and grassroots stakeholders across the district had been ongoing prior to his announcement.
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Bello served two terms as governor of Kogi State between 2016 and 2024 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
His entry into the senatorial race is expected to intensify political competition in the district ahead of party primaries.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has previously indicated interest in seeking re-election, though she has yet to formally declare her intention for the 2027 race.