2027: Yahaya Bello, Natasha battle for Kogi Central votes

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello and the senator representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have reignited their battle for political control of the district ahead of the 2027 elections.

While the incumbent senator is urging voters to judge aspirants by their records in office, Bello is predicting a “massive vote” and “decisive victory” for himself and the All Progressives Congress.

The fresh political contest sets Natasha against Bello, who governed the state from 2016 to 2024 and is seeking to unseat her in the Senate on the platform of the APC.

Akpoti-Uduaghan is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.

While Bello expressed confidence in his electoral chances during an interview on TVC’s Politics Sunday, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged voters to look beyond campaign promises and assess candidates based on their achievements, integrity and commitment to public service.

Bello, asked whether he could defeat the incumbent senator, whom the interviewer described as a popular opponent, said, “The result will speak for itself.”

Pressed on what election day would bring, the former governor declared, “Massive vote. Decisive victory,” clarifying that his prediction was for himself and the APC.

The emerging contest comes against the backdrop of the strained relationship between the two politicians, which has been marked by allegations of political violence, defamation and legal battles.

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.

With both politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 contest, their respective records in public office are expected to feature prominently in the campaign, as voters weigh their claims and promises against their performance.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan, in making her case for another term, fired back on Monday that she can’t be threatened by Bello’s push for the same Kogi seat.

The senator told The PUNCH that only the voters in their constituency would determine their fate.

She said, “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.”

The lawmaker also listed road construction, potable water projects, school blocks, scholarships, digital learning tools, healthcare facilities, markets for women, solar-powered streetlights and other interventions as evidence of her stewardship.

“My stewardship has been framed by a focus on addressing the critical needs of my people,” she said.

The senator added that her ambition for the 2027–2031 period was to consolidate existing gains and expand development across the district.

“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.

Bello, who left office in January 2024 after completing two terms as governor, is seeking a return to elective office through the Senate seat.

His eight-year administration is likely to form part of the debate over his suitability for the position, just as Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legislative record and constituency interventions will come under scrutiny.

As the 2027 elections approach, the contest is expected to focus increasingly on the candidates’ records, legislative contributions, constituency projects and plans for addressing the development needs of Kogi Central.