- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan says Bello’s bid poses no threat
- Former governor Yahaya Bello declares Senate ambition for 2027
- Contest set to heat up in Kogi Central Senatorial District
- First female senator in district remains confident ahead of polls
The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has reacted calmly to the declaration by former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to challenge her seat in the 2027 general elections, insisting that she remains unfazed by his entry into the race.
Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, the lawmaker said Bello’s announcement was neither surprising nor intimidating, adding that her team actually welcomes the contest.
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“We don’t see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant, made history in 2023 as the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Senate after a long legal battle that confirmed her victory. Since then, she has emerged as one of the most vocal lawmakers from the state, earning attention for her legislative activities and public engagements.
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Bello formally announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central senatorial seat during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and political stakeholders from the district.
At the gathering, the former governor declared his readiness to represent the district at the National Assembly, saying, “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027.”
Also present at the event was Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, who reportedly urged Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents asking him to seek the Senate seat
Observers say Akpoti-Uduaghan’s relaxed response contrasts sharply with the political tension that usually follows the emergence of heavyweight contenders. With both politicians commanding strong followings, Kogi Central is expected to become one of the most closely watched battlegrounds in the 2027 elections.
