Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has declared his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections, despite facing an ongoing N80 billion fraud and money-laundering trial. Bello made the declaration on Monday during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders. A video shared on his verified Facebook page captured him telling the gathering, “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027.” Governor Usman Ododo and other political figures were present at the event, with Ododo reportedly urging Bello to respond to calls from party leaders and constituents to represent the district at the National Assembly.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains a key figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja over alleged N80 billion fraud linked to his tenure. The prosecution has featured testimonies from bank officials over alleged large-scale withdrawals and questionable transactions from state accounts, claims Bello has denied. The case, which has seen several adjournments, is expected to continue into 2026. His senatorial ambition has drawn mixed reactions, especially as it sets up a potential contest with the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who also has her own past legal battles.