Kogiflame
After several appeal by the Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo that the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello should contest for Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2027, in the former governor has finally acceded to the call.
Just as the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Hon. Amoka Eneji, has congratulated the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on his decision to heed the calls of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and declare his intention to run for the Senate in 2027.
Bello, it was learnt, has acceded to calls from supporters and stakeholders to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
He will be slugging it out with the current lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduagha.
The decision was announced during a high-profile visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, Alhaji Ahmed Tijani Mohammed Anaje where Bello met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community elders from the district.
At the meeting, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ododo, personally appealed to his predecessor to heed the requests of party leaders and constituents. The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land and other influential figures from the area.
After prolonged persuasion, Bello agreed to accept the call to run, a move seen as a major political development in Kogi State as preparations gradually begin ahead of the 2027 elections.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Hon. Amoka Eneji, has congratulated the former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, on his decision to heed the calls of the people of Kogi Central Senatorial District and declare his intention to run for the Senate in 2027.
Speaking on the develolment, the Council Chairman stated that the former governor’s acceptance of the senatorial race is a decision taken in the best interest of the people of Kogi Central, particularly the Ebira nation, whose collective aspiration he believes Yahaya Bello represents.
According to him, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has laboured immensely for the progress and unity of the Ebira people, stressing that the history of the Ebira nation cannot be written without prominent reference to his leadership. He recalled Bello’s uncommon courage and “can-do” spirit which set him apart when he dared to contest and emerge as Governor of Kogi State against all odds.
He further applauded the former governor for his legacy and landmark projects, including the establishment of the first university in Ebira land, construction of hospitals and road networks, and the creation of security employment opportunities for teeming youths. He also noted that Bello’s administration successfully brought an end to clannish conflicts and violent clashes that once plagued the area.
He described Yahaya Bello’s entry into the senatorial race as a development that would strengthen the ruling party and accelerate progress across the district, making political mobilization easier ahead of the elections.
He appreciated the role played by the current Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his leadership, encouragement, and consultations with stakeholders that culminated in the former governor’s acceptance of the senatorial call.
He emphasized that as a young and energetic leader, Alhaji Yahaya Bello still has a lot to offer, stressing that it is not yet time for him to rest, as his wealth of experience, capacity, and vision are needed at the national level to further advance the interests of the Ebira nation and Nigeria at large.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Yahaya Bello’s aspiration is a divine blessing to the Ebira nation, urging the good people of Okehi Local Government Area to embrace it as a “done deal” and a form of reconciliation and appreciation for the former governor’s impactful years of service to the state.
The former governor served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains a prominent political figure within the state and the ruling party.
