The political landscape of Kogi Central is bracing for a high-stakes confrontation following Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s formal declaration of her 2027 re-election bid, placing her on a direct collision course with former Governor Yahaya Bello.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, the first woman elected to represent the district, announced her intention to seek a second term during a town hall meeting over the weekend. The move comes as Bello, who completed his two-term governorship in 2024, signaled his own interest in the senatorial seat, setting the stage for what analysts describe as a “battle of titans.”
”I am not just running for a seat; I am running to protect the mandate of the people which we fought so hard to reclaim,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told a cheering crowd of supporters. “My work in the National Assembly is far from over, and I will not be intimidated by those who seek to return our district to the dark days of political godfathers.”
The rivalry between the two politicians has been long-standing, marked by intense legal battles and public verbal exchanges during the 2023 electoral cycle. Bello, representing the All Progressives Congress (APC), has reportedly been consulting with traditional rulers and key stakeholders to consolidate his base in the district.
”Our people deserve a representative with a proven track record of executive leadership,” a spokesperson for the former governor stated. “Kogi Central needs a strong voice that can negotiate effectively at the federal level, and Alhaji Yahaya Bello is that voice.”
The incumbent senator, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), rose to national prominence after her hard-fought victory was eventually affirmed by the Court of Appeal. Her declaration has already energized her support base, particularly among women and youth groups who view her as a symbol of resilience.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to release the official timetable for the 2027 general elections, but the early maneuvering in Kogi suggests a grueling campaign season lies ahead.
