Yahaya Bello Set For Political Face-Off With Natasha As He Emerges APC Candidate For Kogi Central

According to Ireporter Online, former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has reportedly obtained the nomination form of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, signalling his entry into the race for the Kogi Central senatorial seat.

Reports indicate that Bello has emerged as the party’s consensus candidate for the contest after formally picking up the expression of interest and nomination forms on Saturday. The development is seen as an early political alignment within the APC as preparations intensify ahead of the polls.

He is expected to square up against the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in what is already shaping up to be a highly competitive and politically charged contest.

The upcoming election is expected to revive the longstanding political tension between both figures. Their relationship has remained strained since Akpoti-Uduaghan first expressed interest in the senatorial seat during Bello’s tenure as governor. Although she eventually secured victory in the 2023 elections, political friction between both camps has persisted.

The rivalry has also been marked by serious allegations previously raised by the senator, accusing Bello of attempts to harm her claims which the former governor has repeatedly denied.

With Bello now confirmed as the APC candidate for Kogi Central, political observers say the senatorial race is set to become one of the most closely watched contests in the buildup to the 2027 general elections.