Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, even as he faces multiple corruption and money laundering investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from the district. A video of the visit, shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday, captured him formally declaring his Senate ambition.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” he said, addressing the gathering.
Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, attended the event, alongside other political figures and community leaders. Peoples Daily reported that Ododo urged Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents encouraging him to represent the senatorial district at the National Assembly. The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi and other influential leaders.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a major political figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Eneji, commended Bello, noting his contributions to the unity and development of the Ebira people, and describing his tenure as a defining period in the history of Ebiraland.
The Kogi Central Senate seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023. The lawyer and former governorship aspirant became the first woman to represent the district in the Senate. Her political rivalry with Bello is widely known and is expected to intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.
Bello’s political comeback comes amid serious legal challenges. The EFCC has declared him wanted for allegedly diverting approximately N80.2 billion of state funds and using proxies to acquire high-value properties both in Nigeria and abroad. Multiple charges have been filed against him, including a 19-count charge of money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and fraudulent acquisition of assets.
In addition, the commission recently filed fresh 16-count charges accusing Bello of involvement in an expanded fraud scheme estimated at over N110 billion.
Despite these ongoing investigations, Bello’s declaration signals his determination to challenge the incumbent senator for Kogi Central, setting the stage for a potentially intense political battle in the district.
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