Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has picked the All Progressives Congress nomination form for the Kogi Central senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, party sources confirmed Saturday.
The move positions Bello for a direct contest with incumbent Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, raising political stakes in a district already shaped by intense party rivalry.
Party officials in Abuja say Bello is being considered a strong APC contender due to his influence within the state party structure.
The nomination comes as Bello continues to face an ongoing corruption trial linked to alleged financial misconduct during his tenure as governor.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is prosecuting him over allegations involving billions of naira in state funds. Bello has consistently denied wrongdoing and maintains the case is politically motivated, according to statements previously made in court proceedings.
Court filings show the EFCC alleges diversion and mismanagement of state resources during his eight years in office. The agency has presented multiple witnesses and financial documents as part of its ongoing prosecution in Abuja.
Despite the legal pressure, Bello has remained politically active within the APC, participating in party mobilisation activities in Kogi State.
His entry into the senatorial race signals an early consolidation strategy by his political allies ahead of 2027 elections.
APC insiders describe Bello’s candidacy as part of broader efforts to maintain dominance in Kogi Central’s competitive political landscape. Opposition parties are expected to challenge the bid, citing both governance records and ongoing legal proceedings.
The EFCC has maintained that all accused persons remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The agency has also emphasized that political activity does not interfere with its prosecution mandate.
Legal analysts say Bello’s candidacy could raise constitutional debates about eligibility during pending trials, depending on court outcomes. Political observers note that Kogi Central remains one of the state’s most closely watched electoral battlegrounds.
Voter sentiment in the district has been shaped by debates over representation, development, and governance accountability. Amid 2027 elections preparation s, Bello’s dual role as defendant and candidate is expected to remain a central political fault line.
