Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Kogi Central Senatorial District, securing a landslide victory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Bello polled an impressive 72,399 votes across the five local government areas in the district, defeating his closest challengers by a wide margin. Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke scored 319 votes, while Momoh Yusuf Obaro garnered 188 votes in the exercise conducted by the APC.
The primary election, which witnessed a high turnout of party members and supporters, was reportedly peaceful and well-organized across the district. Party officials and observers described the process as transparent, with enthusiastic participation from delegates and grassroots supporters.
Before the primaries, questions had emerged over Bello’s eligibility following reports that he missed the party’s screening exercise held in Abuja. However, the APC later cleared him to participate in the race, officially listing him as aspirant number 13. His eventual victory has now strengthened his political comeback and positioned him as a major contender for the Kogi Central Senate seat in 2027.
Bello is expected to face a strong challenge from the incumbent senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), setting the stage for what could become one of the most closely watched senatorial contests in the country.
Despite his political success, Bello continues to battle legal challenges involving allegations of N190 billion money laundering and fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The former governor has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Political analysts believe Bello’s victory in the APC primaries reflects his enduring influence within Kogi politics and the strong support he still commands among party loyalists in the state.
