Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello picked up his All Progressives Congress nomination form on Tuesday for the Kogi Central senatorial seat, signalling his intention to challenge the incumbent senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in 2027.
Bello, who governed Kogi State for two terms between 2015 and 2023, left office amid corruption allegations which he has denied. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had invited him for questioning over his stewardship as governor, though he has maintained his innocence throughout.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, won the Kogi Central seat in 2023, defeating the APC's Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in a closely watched contest. She has represented the constituency in the Senate and has been vocal on several legislative matters affecting her constituents.
Bello's entry into the 2027 race sets up a rematch between the two politicians who have contrasting political trajectories. While Bello is attempting a political comeback after his tenure as governor, Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking to consolidate her position as the senator representing the zone.
The APC nomination process is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, after which the party will officially field its candidates for the 2027 general elections. Other aspirants may also pick nomination forms for various positions across the state before the deadline.
