2027: YAHAYA BELLO, NATASHA AKPOTI-UDUAGHAN RENEW BATTLE FOR KOGI CENTRAL SENATE SEAT

By NaijaParrot October 21, 2026 

 LOKOJA, KOGI STATE — Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan are preparing for a high-profile contest for the Kogi Central Senatorial District seat ahead of the 2027 general elections. Bello, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, has expressed confidence in defeating Akpoti-Uduaghan, who currently represents the district in the Senate under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The emerging contest has intensified political discussions across Kogi Central, with both politicians presenting their records, ambitions and plans as they seek the support of voters.

Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, expressed confidence in his chances during an appearance on TVC News’ Politics Sunday. The former governor predicted a substantial victory for himself and the APC, insisting that the election results would demonstrate the level of support he enjoys among voters. He said the January 2027 election would provide an opportunity for the electorate to decide the outcome of the contest. Bello’s ambition to represent Kogi Central in the Senate has placed him directly against Akpoti-Uduaghan, who won the seat in the 2023 general elections. 

 Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged voters to look beyond campaign promises and party affiliations when deciding who should represent them. Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the senator said candidates who had previously occupied public office should be judged by their achievements, integrity and commitment to public service. She listed road projects, access to potable water, school infrastructure, scholarships, digital learning materials, healthcare facilities, markets for women and solar-powered streetlights among the interventions she said had been delivered in her constituency. The senator also said she intended to consolidate existing projects and pursue further development in Kogi Central if re-elected for the 2027–2031 term. 

 The contest brings together two prominent political figures with different experiences in public office. Bello served as governor of Kogi State for eight years, while Akpoti-Uduaghan is seeking another term after entering the Senate in 2023. Their campaigns are expected to place greater emphasis on governance, constituency development, political representation and the needs of residents across the district. Voters will have the opportunity to assess the candidates’ claims against available records, completed projects, legislative contributions and their respective plans for the constituency. Although Bello has publicly predicted victory, the election outcome will depend on the votes cast and the official results declared by the relevant electoral authorities. 

 The senatorial race is attracting attention as political parties and their candidates strengthen their positions ahead of the 2027 elections. Bello is seeking to return to elective office through the Senate, while Akpoti-Uduaghan is pursuing re-election to retain her position as the district’s representative. As the campaign period approaches, the central issues for voters include infrastructure, employment, education, healthcare, economic opportunities and accountability from elected representatives. The contest is expected to remain a major focus of political activities in Kogi Central in the months leading to the election. 

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