The announcement, which has generated major political buzz across Nigeria’s dynamic political landscape, was made during an emotional visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland where Bello met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from the senatorial district. A video of the declaration was shared on the former governor’s verified social media channels, signaling his formal entry into one of the most anticipated electoral contests in Nigeria’s 2027 election cycle.
A Return to Political Relevance
Bello, who served as governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has been a prominent political figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), celebrated by supporters for his developmental narratives in the state and criticized by opponents over governance controversies.
At the palace gathering, Bello responded to calls from party leaders and constituents, formally saying: “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027.”
Also in attendance was the current Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, who publicly encouraged his predecessor to accept the growing pressure from political stakeholders to represent Kogi Central at the National Assembly.
Local government leaders and party loyalists, including the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Hon. Amoka Eneji, praised Bello’s decision, describing it as a “divine blessing” for the Ebira nation and a strategic boost for the APC’s influence in the district.
The Legal Storm: EFCC Fraud and Money Laundering Allegations
Bello’s political declaration comes amid a prolonged and high-profile legal battle with the EFCC. The anti-graft agency charged him with alleged money-laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and fraud totaling over N80 billion, with additional indictments stretching beyond N110 billion in alleged misconduct tied to properties and transactions in Nigeria and abroad.
The EFCC’s case, being heard at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, accuses Bello and some associates of diverting public funds through an intricate web of shell companies and proxies to acquire high-value properties — a narrative that has captured national and international media attention.
Despite the gravity of the charges, Bello has consistently denied wrongdoing, labeling the prosecution “politically motivated” and asserting that he never diverted public funds during his administration. He remains free on bail as the case proceeds through multiple adjournments, with courts setting future dates for hearings extending deep into the election cycle.
The unfolding legal saga has sparked widespread public debate, with political analysts questioning how a candidate under such heavy scrutiny could reshape his public image and political influence in one of Nigeria’s key electoral battlegrounds.
The Opponent: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan
Bello’s declaration directly sets him up for a high-stakes contest with the incumbent Senator for Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a lawyer and former governorship aspirant who made history as the first woman to represent the district upon her 2023 election victory.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has already hinted at a potential re-election bid for 2027, refusing overtures to defect to the APC and underscoring her commitment to her party’s platform.
The political relationship between Bello and Akpoti-Uduaghan has been fraught with tension. Earlier in 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan publicly accused Bello and other political heavyweights of masterminding efforts to recall her using allegedly fabricated constituent petitions — claims Bello has denied.
In another controversial twist, Bello even petitioned the Inspector General of Police alleging that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan spread false claims including an alleged murder plot — escalating what has become one of the most politically charged feuds in contemporary Nigerian politics.
Political Implications and National Discourse
Bello’s Senate ambition has ignited discussions about political resilience, legal accountability, and public perception in Nigeria’s electoral politics. On one hand, his supporters view the move as a logical continuation of his political journey and a vehicle to maintain APC’s stronghold in Kogi Central. On the other, critics argue that contesting while facing serious corruption allegations undermines ethical standards for national leadership positions.
Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive has long been a focal point of judicial and civil society attention. High-profile cases like Bello’s test the legal system’s resolve and independence, especially when political figures seek elected office while entangled in legal disputes. Bello’s case, much like other politically charged prosecutions, raises broader questions about due process, the timing of legal actions, and the interplay between justice and politics.
Moreover, as 2027 approaches, Nigeria’s electorate is becoming increasingly aware of the consequences of corruption for public services, economic development, and trust in governance. Against this backdrop, Bello’s campaign will have to not only win political allies but also navigate the court of public opinion amid competing narratives about accountability and political ambition.
Looking Ahead: The 2027 Contest and Its Broader Impact
As the race for Kogi Central intensifies, political watchers expect that:
Candidate platforms will increasingly focus on security, economic development, and youth empowerment.
Campaign rhetoric may leverage legal controversies as central themes for both support and opposition.
National media narrative will frame the contest as a microcosm of the broader struggle between the APC and PDP ahead of the general elections.
With Bello’s declaration, one thing is clear: the 2027 Senate race in Kogi Central is shaping up to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched and fiercely contested political battles — blending legal drama, partisan rivalry, and grassroots mobilization in equal measure.
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