Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed confidence that he will defeat Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial election.
Bello and Akpoti-Uduaghan are set to contest the seat, with the former governor seeking election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, while the senator belongs to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The duo have had a strained relationship marked by allegations of political violence, defamation and legal battles.
In October 2022, Bello accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of involvement in the Ajaokuta massacre and the Kuje prison break. The incidents occurred between June and July of that year.
Akpoti-Uduaghan denied the allegations, saying she was in the United States at the time for pregnancy-related reasons and childbirth.
On November 4, 2022, Akpoti-Uduaghan described Bello as a “murderer, serial killer, and a terror to the people of Kogi State” in response to the allegations against her.
However, speaking on TVC’s Sunday Politics, Bello expressed confidence in his chances in the election.
“16 January 2027 is around the corner, the result will speak for itself.
“Let the day come and go, the day will bring massive votes, a decisive victory for Yahaya Bello, the former governor of Kogi State, and for APC,” he said.