Yahaya Bello declares 2027 Senate bid amid N80.2bn EFCC fraud case, to reignite rivalry with Akpoti-Uduaghan

Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor, has officially announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, even as he faces multiple corruption and money laundering charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Bello made the announcement during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders from the senatorial district. A video of the visit, in which Bello formally declared his Senate ambition, was shared on his verified Facebook page on Monday.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” he told the gathering.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, attended the event alongside political figures and community leaders. According to Peoples Daily, Ododo urged Bello to heed calls from party leaders and constituents who are backing his bid to represent the district at the National Assembly. The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi and other prominent figures from Ebiraland.

Bello, who led Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, remains a dominant figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC) within the state. Amoka Eneji, Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, praised Bello’s leadership, saying his administration had contributed significantly to the unity and development of the Ebira people. Eneji added that Bello’s tenure would remain a notable chapter in the history of Ebiraland.

The Kogi Central Senate seat is currently held by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, elected in 2023. A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan is the first woman to represent the district in the Senate. Her longstanding political rivalry with Bello is expected to intensify as the 2027 elections approach.

Bello’s return to the political arena comes amid mounting legal challenges. The EFCC has declared him wanted over allegations of diverting N80.2 billion in state funds and using proxies to acquire high-value properties in Nigeria and abroad. The commission has filed multiple charges against him, including a 19-count count for money laundering, misappropriation of public funds, and fraudulent asset acquisition.

In addition, the EFCC recently filed fresh 16-count charges implicating Bello in a larger fraud scheme estimated at over N110 billion.

Despite these legal entanglements, Bello’s declaration signals his determination to contest the Kogi Central seat, setting the stage for a highly charged political showdown with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan in 2027.