2027: Kogi APC stakeholders back Bello’s senate bid

APC stakeholders in Kogi Central have pledged their support for former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.

The stakeholders made the declaration on Friday when Bello returned to the district for a homecoming attended by party members and supporters from the five local government areas in Kogi Central.

Bello emerged as the All Progressives Congress candidate for Kogi Central Senatorial District after securing 72,399 votes in the party’s May 18, 2026 primary.

His closest challengers, Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke and Momoh Yusuf Obaro, polled 319 and 188 votes respectively.

However, Obaro has challenged the primary result at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which has fixed November 19, 2026, for judgment.

Speaking at the homecoming, former Kogi APC Chairman and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdullahi Bello, said the turnout demonstrated the former governor’s popularity in the district.

“This is the homecoming of a leader that liberated the whole Ebiraland, and we all trooped out to welcome him.

“It is not an easy thing. We love him and we have to demonstrate that,” he said.

Abdullahi said APC remained firmly rooted in Kogi Central, adding that party members across the five local government areas were prepared for the 2027 election.

“I will not flatter you with words, but obviously, as you can see for yourself, Ebiraland, Kogi Central, is the home of the All Progressives Congress.

“APC is here. APC lives here. We preach APC,” he said.

He added, “APC is 100 per cent prepared to vote Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello to the Red Chamber come next year.”

The former chairman attributed the support for Bello to what he described as achievements recorded during his administration, particularly in security and infrastructure.

He recalled that Kogi Central had witnessed violent conflicts in the past but claimed that the situation improved during Bello’s tenure.

“Before now, especially 2007 and 2008, this Central used to be a battlefield, burning of houses and killing of innocent people.

“But the coming of Alhaji Yahaya Bello put an end to all that,” he said.

Other constituents who spoke at the event also pledged to mobilise support for Bello’s senatorial ambition.

Responding, the former governor thanked the people for the reception, describing the turnout as “organic,” “inborn” and “inherent.”

Speaking with journalists at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira Land, Bello said he remained confident in the support of Kogi Central voters for the APC and its candidates.

“I have never doubted that my people are with me 100%. I have never doubted that my people are supporting APC 100%,” he said.

Bello also expressed confidence in the support of the people for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.

“I have never doubted that my people will support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 100%.

“I have never doubted that my people are with my governor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, 100%,” he added.

On his senatorial ambition, Bello said voters were aware of what he described as the APC’s contributions to infrastructure and development in the state.

“I have never doubted that my people are going to vote myself as the senator representing Kogi Central and all of our other candidates on the platform of All Progressives Congress,” he said.

He added that the party had “liberated our people and brought infrastructure to the people” while delivering what he described as the dividends of democracy.

Bello further declared, “Kogi State is 100% APC and APC is Kogi State 100%.”

He said, “I want to assure Mr President that Kogi State election is done and Kogi Central in particular is as good as done 100% for APC.”

The homecoming comes as political activities intensify in Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 senatorial election, with Bello’s candidacy still subject to the pending court challenge.