After losing the All Progressive Congress’s (APC) Presidential Primary Election in 2023, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial District seat in the 2027 forthcoming election.
Bello, who governed the state for eight years, made his ambition known on Tuesday, signalling his return to active partisan politics months after leaving office.
Despite his legal troubles, the former governor, in a statement issued by his media office, said his decision was driven by the need to offer “purposeful representation” to the people of Kogi Central at the National Assembly.
According to him, the district requires a strong and experienced voice to effectively articulate its interests and contribute meaningfully to national debates.
READ ALSO: Alleged Money Laundering: Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Trial to January 29
“I believe my experience in governance and public service has prepared me to serve my people better at the legislative level,” Bello said.
He added that his aspiration was anchored on continuity, development and the desire to deepen democratic governance in the state.
Bello, a member of the All Progressives Congress, urged party members and supporters across the senatorial district to remain united as consultations continue ahead of the party’s primaries.
Kogi Central Senatorial District comprises Okene, Okehi, Ajaokuta, Adavi and Ogori/Magongo local government areas.
Yahaya Bello’s Biography
The 50-year-old Yahaya Adoza Bello, popularly known as the “White Lion”, was the youngest governor in Nigeria at the time of his inauguration in 2016, when he assumed office at the age of 40.
He hails from Okene Local Government Area, specifically from the town of Agassa.
READ ALSO: EFCC Calls Yahaya Bello’s Trial Political
He holds a degree in Accounting and an MBA from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Despite being a former governor, Yahaya Bello is believed in several circles to still hold a strong grip on Kogi State’s political landscape, with the present governor, Ahmed Ododo, reportedly maintaining loyalty to him.
In the midst of his quest for a Kogi senatorial seat, he is facing two major criminal trials in Abuja relating to his eight-year tenure as governor.
Both cases have been adjourned and are expected to resume in January 2026.
The two corruption cases involve combined sums exceeding ₦190 billion.
READ ALSO: EFCC Witness Clears Kogi Govt on Alleged Breach in Fund Withdrawals
The ₦80.2 billion case involves a 19-count charge of money laundering and alleged fraud, including accusations of using state funds to acquire private properties in Abuja and Dubai, as well as paying over $700,000 in school fees for his children.
Bello’s other ₦110.4 billion corruption case involves a 16-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust and money laundering, filed alongside two other co-defendants at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama.
In broader analysis on political forums and state discussion groups, some analysts imply that Bello’s name recognition and political machinery could make him a formidable contender despite controversies, while others caution that his legal challenges could become campaign vulnerabilities
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
