2027: BELLO, NATASHA RENEW BATTLE FOR KOGI CENTRAL SENATE SEAT
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Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, and the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have renewed their political contest ahead of the 2027 elections, with both expressing confidence in their respective positions.
While Bello has predicted a “massive vote” and “decisive victory” for himself and the All Progressives Congress, Akpoti-Uduaghan has challenged aspirants to let voters assess their records in public office.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is seeking to unseat the incumbent senator on the platform of the APC, while Akpoti-Uduaghan is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
Speaking during an interview on TVC’s Politics Sunday, Bello expressed confidence in his chances of winning the senatorial election.
Asked whether he could defeat Akpoti-Uduaghan, whom the interviewer described as a popular opponent, the former governor said, “The result will speak for itself.”
When pressed on what he expected on election day, Bello replied, “Massive vote. Decisive victory,” clarifying that his prediction was for himself and the APC.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, said voters should look beyond campaign promises and assess candidates based on their achievements, integrity and commitment to public service.
The senator, who spoke on Monday, said the electorate would ultimately determine who represents the district.
“Most of those contesting have held elective positions before. So, the electorate will have to judge us based on what we have been able to achieve when we had the opportunity to serve,” she said.
She listed road construction, potable water projects, school blocks, scholarships, digital learning tools, healthcare facilities, markets for women and solar-powered streetlights among the interventions she said had characterised her representation.
“My stewardship has been framed by a focus on addressing the critical needs of my people,” she said.
The lawmaker added that her ambition for the 2027–2031 period was to consolidate existing achievements and expand development across Kogi Central.
“From 2027 to 2031, I intend to consolidate on the foundation I have laid, and do more to advance my vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and infrastructurally developed Kogi Central,” she said.
The emerging contest comes amid a strained relationship between the two politicians, which has been marked by allegations of political violence, defamation and legal disputes.
In October 2022, Bello accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of involvement in the Ajaokuta massacre and the Kuje prison break, incidents that occurred between June and July of that year. The allegations remain distinct from the current electoral contest.
Bello left office in January 2024 after completing two terms as governor. His record during the eight-year administration is expected to feature in discussions about his bid for the Senate, just as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative record and constituency projects are likely to come under scrutiny.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, the contest is shaping up around the candidates’ records in public office, legislative contributions, constituency interventions and plans for addressing the development needs of Kogi Central.
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