The Kogi Central Senatorial District was abuzz with excitement on Friday as former Governor Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello returned home to a massive reception by indigenes of the region and All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters. The homecoming, which attracted a huge crowd across the district, was marked by colourful displays, chants, and enthusiastic supporters who trooped out in large numbers to welcome Bello ahead of the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial election. Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, emerged as the APC candidate for the Kogi Central Senate seat after winning the party’s May 2026 senatorial primary.
The reception was a demonstration of the affection and confidence the people of Kogi Central have for Bello, according to former Kogi State APC Chairman and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy, Hon. Abdullahi Bello. He described the turnout as an indication of the level of acceptance Bello enjoys among the people, adding that the APC structure in Kogi Central was fully prepared for the forthcoming election. Abdullahi Bello stressed that the district remained a stronghold of the party, saying, “APC is here. APC lives here. We preach APC.”
Bello’s emergence as the APC flag bearer followed a direct primary in which he was declared winner with 72,399 votes across the district. He expressed confidence that APC members and supporters across the five local government areas of Kogi Central would mobilise behind him at the polls. Bello said the era of using professional influence or advantage was over, adding that the law would put an end to that when a candidate is beaten mercilessly with a clear margin.
The former APC chairman, Abdullahi Bello, linked the reception to the security situation in Kogi Central during Bello’s tenure as governor, recalling that the area had previously experienced episodes of violence and insecurity. He said the relative peace in the area has enabled residents to move freely and participate in political and economic activities without fear. Other constituents who spoke hailed Bello’s track records, promising to mobilise support for him to win with a wide margin.
Responding to the show of love and support, Bello expressed happiness at the massive crowd who came to honour him, describing it as “organic” and proof that the sense of appreciation of the people of Kogi Central is “inborn”. He stated that all APC candidates for the 2027 general elections would emerge victorious at the polls, saying he has never doubted that his people are with him 100%. Bello also expressed assurance that he enjoys the total support of the people of Kogi Central ahead of the Senatorial polls.
Bello pointed out that his people know very well what the APC has done to liberate them and bring infrastructure to the people, ensuring that the dividend of democracy is delivered to them. He appreciated the people for displaying love and affection, saying it is inherent in their DNA. Bello also appreciated God Almighty, the leader of the APC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his governor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
The homecoming provided a striking display of mobilisation surrounding Bello, with supporters turning out in large numbers to receive him as he formally reconnects with his political base ahead of the 2027 National Assembly election. Key points include Bello's massive reception, his emergence as the APC candidate with 72,399 votes, and his assurance of winning the senatorial election with the support of his people.
Key points
- Former Governor Yahaya Bello emerges as APC candidate for Kogi Central Senate seat
- Bello wins senatorial primary with 72,399 votes
- Massive reception demonstrates Bello's popularity and acceptance among Kogi Central residents
