The race for the Kogi Central Senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections has taken a dramatic turn as businessman and grassroots mobiliser, Chief Momoh Yusuf Obaro, officially joined the contest under the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Obaro’s entry is seen as a direct challenge to former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, whose emergence had earlier been speculated as a consensus choice of the party in the district.
The Kogi-born politician picked up his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms on Tuesday at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel, accompanied by a large crowd of supporters and associates.
A former governorship aspirant, Obaro is positioning himself as a formidable contender, expected to square off against key political figures, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Bello.
Speaking after obtaining the forms, Obaro said his ambition is driven by a commitment to deliver people-oriented and controversy-free representation to Kogi Central.
“Successive administrations have done their best, but much more needs to be achieved. I see myself as the missing link, bringing exposure, intellectual capacity, grassroots support and the will to make a difference,” he said.
He added that his decision to run on the APC platform aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, stressing the need for quality representation to unlock the district’s full potential.
Obaro outlined his priority areas to include provision of pipe-borne water, financial support for women, youth empowerment through mini-livestock schemes, scholarships, and the establishment of modern libraries.
The APC UK Branch Secretary, who previously served as Director of Finance at the PDP national headquarters, also pledged inclusive governance, with a focus on women, youths and vulnerable groups.
A development consultant and data analyst, Obaro holds an MBA and an MSc in Software Engineering, and is widely recognised for his philanthropic efforts across Kogi Central.
In December 2025, he received a unanimous endorsement from the Eziogu Supreme Council of Chiefs, led by the Ozumi of Okene, HRH Haruna Onotu, who described him as a symbol of unity, capacity and credibility.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard M. Doro, congratulated Obaro on becoming the first aspirant to pick up the APC nomination forms for the senatorial district.
“I am confident in your capacity to deliver the dividends of democracy to your people,” Doro said, adding that Obaro’s emergence reflects the values of the APC UK branch.
With Obaro’s entry, political calculations in Kogi Central are expected to intensify, setting the stage for a keenly contested battle ahead of 2027.
