THIS DAWN — Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, is reportedly preparing to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

According to reports, Bello is seeking the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the district, a move that has already stirred debate within the party and across the state.

Media outlets have reported that Bello is positioning himself for the APC senatorial ticket in Kogi Central.

His ambition comes after leaving office as governor and reflects a common trajectory for former state executives who seek legislative influence at the national level.

Yahaya Bello’s supporters tout his grassroots popularity, while APC insiders have expressed concern.

They claim it signals the end of the political career of the current senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan.

On its part, the Kogi APC Renaissance Forum has warned that imposing Bello as candidate could cost the party votes in Kogi Central and even weaken APC’s national prospects.

Analysts argue that Bello’s controversial tenure as governor left divisions that could resurface during the senatorial race.

Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan’s Position

The current senator representing Kogi Central is Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who won the seat in 2023 after a fiercely contested election.

Analysts say that the assertions that Bello’s entry “marks the end” of her career are speculative.

Natasha remains a sitting senator with her own strong support base, particularly among women and youth voters.

Political observers note that her incumbency and PDP backing mean she will likely mount a formidable defense of her seat.

Popularity vs. Political Risks

Supporters describe Bello as “highly popular” in his district, citing his grassroots connections. However, critics highlight:

• Controversies during his governorship, including allegations of corruption and strained relations with civil servants.
• Factional risks within APC, as some party members fear Bello’s candidacy could alienate voters.
• Potential PDP resilience, with Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan expected to leverage her incumbency and national visibility.

Thus, while Bello’s ambition is real, the outcome is far from guaranteed.

Implications for 2027

If Bello secures the APC ticket, the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial race will be a high‑profile contest between two strong personalities:

• Yahaya Bello (APC) – former governor, seeking to consolidate his influence in national politics.
• Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan (PDP) – incumbent senator, representing continuity and opposition strength.

The race could become a litmus test for APC’s internal cohesion and PDP’s ability to defend gains in Kogi State.

Nigerians React to Bello’s Senatorial Ambition

The announcement that Yahaya Bello intends to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2027 has sparked widespread reactions across social media.

The debate reflects broader frustrations with political accountability in Nigeria.

Several commentators condemned Bello’s ambition, citing ongoing allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.

• Everything Politics (@Everypolitics1) argued that contesting for Senate while standing trial for alleged financial crimes “sends the wrong message to Nigerians”.

He stressed that leadership should be grounded in integrity and that those facing serious charges ought to step aside until cleared by the courts.

• Comrade Okeke Uzoma Emenike Alex (@Justice4U8) accused the APC of “always promoting criminals”.

He insisted that Bello should be in jail rather than seeking office, linking his political survival to loyalty with President Tinubu’s administration.

These reactions underscore that Nigerians are increasingly intolerant of leaders perceived to lack transparency or accountability.

Moral and Religious Dimensions

Some critics framed Bello’s ambition in moral and religious terms.

• ÉZÉKUTIVE (@HOLYGHO86047354) lamented that “criminals and ex-convicts occupy the seat of power”.

He quoted the biblical verse “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach.”

He argued that corrupt leaders cannot bring progress to Nigeria.

• Khan Xi Dozie (@gracecoin3) added that “thieves will always hail their class captains,” suggesting that Bello’s supporters are complicit in normalizing corruption.

These perspectives highlight how political debates in Nigeria often intersect with moral and religious narratives, reinforcing calls for ethical leadership.

Skepticism About Popularity

While Bello is often described as popular in his senatorial district, some Nigerians dismissed the notion that his candidacy is unbeatable.

• Comrade Qudus (@QudusComrade) declared that “100 of Yahya can’t defeat Natasha,” referring to incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti‑Uduaghan of the PDP.

He warned that any attempt to rig the election would be resisted.

• Oladipo C. Aiyemo (@pastoroladipo) suggested that Nigeria has more “awaiting thieves” than those who have already stolen.

He, thus, implied that Bello’s audacity to contest reflects a broader culture of impunity.

These reactions suggest that Bello’s grassroots support may not translate into automatic victory, especially against a sitting senator with her own strong base.