The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has dismissed concerns that the decision of former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, to contest her senatorial seat in 2027 poses a threat to her political future.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said she was not under any form of pressure over Bello’s declaration, insisting that she welcomed the development.

Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, in an interview, the lawmaker said Bello’s ambition would not unsettle her.

She said, “We don’t see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them.”

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023 after a prolonged legal battle.

A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan made history as the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Senate.

Bello had earlier announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

The former governor made the declaration during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders from the senatorial district.

A video of the visit, including his declaration, was shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page on Monday.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello was heard saying while addressing the gathering.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was present at the event alongside other political figures and community leaders.

The governor was said to have appealed to his predecessor to heed calls from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent the district at the National Assembly.

The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures from the area.

______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

______________________________________________________________________ "You Don't Need To Be Rich, You Just Need To Start" — Victoria Ezeigwe, Esq Launches Investment Handbook For Nigerians Starting With ₦5,000
By Victoria-Ezeigwe-Esq

Get your copy today and take the first step toward financial growth:

👉 https://selar.co/4f16676016

_______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________