YAHAYA BELLO DECLARES INTENTION FOR KOGI CENTRAL SENATE AMID N80BN FRAUD PROBE
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, has officially 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 with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders from the senatorial district.
A video of the visit and his declaration was shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello said while addressing the gathering.
The event was attended by the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, alongside other political figures and community leaders.
Reports indicated that Governor Ododo appealed to his predecessor to heed calls from party leaders and constituents urging 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 area.
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi from 2016 to 2024, remains a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
The declaration comes amid a prolonged legal dispute with the EFCC, which has accused Bello of involvement in alleged money laundering and misappropriation of state funds running into N80 billion.
The anti-graft agency has filed multiple charges against the former governor and some officials of his administration, alleging that funds meant for public projects were diverted through a network of shell companies and proxies.
The EFCC had previously declared Bello wanted in connection with the case, a development that drew nationwide attention and sparked legal battles over jurisdiction and arrest procedures.
Bello, however, has consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated and insisting that he “never misappropriated public funds while in office.”
Despite the legal controversy, Bello continues to maintain a strong political base in Kogi Central, particularly within Ebiraland, where supporters credit him with fostering unity and development in the area.
The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023 and noted as the first female to represent the district in the Senate.
Her tenure has been marked by high-profile legislative engagements and constituency projects, setting the stage for what observers expect to be a closely watched contest ahead of 2027.
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