Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has emerged as the winner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial primary for Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to reports, the primary election held on Monday featured two other contenders for the party’s ticket — APC Diaspora Secretary, Momoh Obaro, and Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke.
Bello secured victory after days of political uncertainty and speculation surrounding his eligibility to participate in the contest. The former governor reportedly defeated both Obaro and Adoke to clinch the APC ticket for the Kogi Central Senatorial District.
The exercise attracted significant attention due to Bello’s strong political influence in Kogi State and the controversy surrounding his screening process before the primary election.
Before the poll, rumours had circulated that Bello faced challenges during the APC screening process, casting doubt on his qualification to contest. However, the APC National Assembly Screening Committee later cleared him and other aspirants to participate in the senatorial primaries.
Reports indicated that the party approved 17 senatorial aspirants across Kogi State’s three senatorial districts for the primaries conducted on Monday.
Controversy Over Screening
Speculation over Bello’s participation intensified after claims emerged that he did not appear before the party’s screening panel.
Earlier reports alleged that the former governor had not been cleared for the APC senatorial primary due to his failure to attend the screening exercise. The development sparked uncertainty over Bello’s political future, especially amid the corruption-related charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Despite the controversy, the APC later confirmed Bello’s clearance, paving the way for his participation in the Kogi Central primary alongside Obaro and Adoke.
With his victory, Bello is now positioned as the APC candidate for the Kogi Central Senate seat in the 2027 general elections.
The race is already regarded as one of the most closely watched political contests in Kogi State, considering Bello’s status as a former two-term governor and the high political stakes attached to the district.
Bello served as Governor of Kogi State from 2016 to 2024.