Former Governor Yahaya Bello was welcomed back to Kogi Central Senatorial District with a massive reception, as constituents and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trooped out to show their support ahead of the 2027 general elections. The homecoming event, which took place on Friday, was marked by colorful displays, chants, and solidarity songs. The reception was attended by a huge crowd from the five local government areas of the district.
Bello, who governed Kogi from 2016 to 2024, emerged as the APC candidate for the Kogi Central senate seat after winning the party's senatorial primary in May 2026 with 72,399 votes. During the reception, stakeholders enumerated Bello's legacy projects while in office, describing him as a leader naturally loved by residents of the district even years after completing his two terms.
Former Kogi APC chairman and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Abdullahi Bello, described the reception as a demonstration of affection and confidence the people have for the former governor. He said Kogi central remained the stronghold of the APC and the party structure was fully prepared for the forthcoming election.
Abdullahi Bello attributed the massive turnout to Bello's appeal across age and gender, and to the relative peace experienced in the district during his administration. He noted that before Bello's administration, the district used to be a battlefield with burning of houses and killing of innocent people, but the former governor put an end to all that.
Other constituents, who spoke at the event, hailed Bello's track record and promised to mobilise massively for his victory. They praised his leadership style and the development projects he initiated during his tenure as governor. The constituents expressed their confidence in Bello's ability to represent them effectively in the senate.
Responding to the show of love, Bello expressed gratitude and described the crowd as organic and a proof of the people's sense of appreciation. He expressed confidence that all APC candidates would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections, including himself as senator representing Kogi central.
Bello said, "Kogi state is 100 per cent APC and APC is Kogi state 100 per cent." He appreciated his supporters, God Almighty, the party, and the leader of the party, President Bola Tinubu, and assured that Kogi state election is done and Kogi Central in particular is as good as done 100 per cent for APC.
Key points
- Former Governor Yahaya Bello received a massive reception in Kogi Central Senatorial District, showcasing the support of constituents and APC supporters for his senate bid.
- Bello won the APC senatorial primary in May 2026 with 72,399 votes and is confident of victory in the 2027 elections.
- The reception demonstrated the affection and confidence of the people in Bello, who is credited with bringing relative peace and development to the district during his administration.
