Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, even as he faces allegations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Senator Bello made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders from the senatorial district.
A video of the visit and the announcement was shared on Monday.
“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello said while addressing the gathering.
The event was attended by Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, alongside other political figures and community leaders.
According to reports, Governor Ododo appealed to his predecessor to heed calls from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent the district at the National Assembly.
The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures from the area.
Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State between 2016 and 2024, has consistently denied the EFCC allegations, describing them as politically motivated and insists he never misappropriated public funds while in office.
The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023 and became the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.
