Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello and the Kogi Central senatorial district senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have reignited their battle for political control of the district ahead of the 2027 elections.
While the incumbent senator is urging voters to judge aspirants by their records in office, Bello is predicting a “massive vote” and “decisive victory” for himself and the All Progressives Congress.
The fresh political contest sets Natasha against Bello, who governed the state from 2016 to 2024 and is seeking to unseat her in the Senate on the platform of the APC.
Akpoti-Uduaghan is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party.
While Bello expressed confidence in his electoral chances during an interview on TVC’s Politics Sunday, Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged voters to look beyond campaign promises and assess candidates based on their achievements, integrity and commitment to public service.
Bello, asked whether he could defeat the incumbent senator, whom the interviewer described as a popular opponent, said, “The result will speak for itself.”
Pressed on what election day would bring, the former governor declared, “Massive vote. Decisive victory,” clarifying that his prediction was for himself and the APC.
The emerging contest comes against the backdrop of the strained relationship between the two politicians, which has been marked by allegations of political violence, defamation and legal battles.
In October 2022, Bello accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of involvement in the Ajaokuta massacre and the Kuje prison break, incidents that occurred between June and July of that year.
With both politicians positioning themselves for the 2027 contest, their respective records in public office are expected to feature prominently in the campaign, as voters weigh their claims and promises against their performance.
