Bello made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders from the district. A video shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday showed the former governor formally accepting calls from the community to run.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello told the gathering, which included Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and other political and community leaders. Governor Ododo reportedly urged Bello to heed the calls of party leaders and constituents seeking his representation of Kogi Central at the National Assembly.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state. His declaration is seen as a strategic move to maintain political influence in the district following his tenure as governor.
In response to Bello’s announcement, Amoka Eneji, Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, congratulated the former governor, highlighting his contributions to the unity and development of the Ebira people and praising his leadership legacy in Ebiraland.
The Kogi Central senatorial seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023. Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.
Bello’s entry into the race signals a high-profile showdown in Kogi Central, drawing attention from both political analysts and local constituents ahead of the 2027 elections.
Observers note that the contest could be a litmus test for political influence within the APC in the state and may shape the dynamics of Kogi Central’s representation in the National Assembly.
