Kogi Central: Yahaya Bello gets massive reception, assurance of victory

Kogi Central Senatorial District on Friday stood still as former governor Yahaya Bello returned home to a massive reception by constituents and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The homecoming, which attracted a huge crowd across the five local government areas of the district, was marked by colourful displays, chants and solidarity songs by supporters who trooped out to welcome the former governor and APC senatorial candidate.

Bello, who governed Kogi from 2016 to 2024, emerged as APC candidate for Kogi Central senate seat after winning the party’s senatorial primary in May 2026 with 72,399 votes.

Stakeholders, who spoke at the reception enumerated Bello’s legacy projects while in office, describing him as naturally loved by residents of the district even years after completing his two terms.

Speaking during the homecoming, 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.

“This is the homecoming of a leader that liberated the whole of Ebiraland and we all trooped out to welcome him. We love him and we have to demonstrate that,” he said.

He said Kogi central remained the stronghold of the APC and the party structure was fully prepared for the forthcoming election.

“As you can see for yourself, Ebiraland, Kogi Central is the home of APC. APC is here. APC lives here. APC is 100 per cent prepared to vote Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello to the Red Chamber come next year,” he said.

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.

“Before now, especially 2007 and 2008, this Central used to be a battlefield with burning of houses and killing of innocent people. But the coming of Alhaji Yahaya Bello put an end to all that,” he said.

Other constituents, who spoke at the event hailed Bello’s track record and promised to mobilise massively for his victory.

Responding, the former governor expressed gratitude for the show of love, describing the crowd as organic and a proof of the people’s sense of appreciation.

Addressing journalists at the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Bello expressed confidence that all APC candidates would emerge victorious in the 2027 elections.

“I have never doubted that my people are with me 100 per cent. I have never doubted that my people are supporting APC 100 per cent.

“I have never doubted that my people will support and vote for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 100 per cent.

“I have never doubted that my people are with my governor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo 100 per cent.

“I have never doubted that my people are going to vote for me as senator representing Kogi central and all of our other candidates on the platform of APC because they know very well what this party has done to liberate our people, bring infrastructure and ensure dividends of democracy are delivered,” he added.

While appreciating his supporters, Bello said, “Kogi state is 100 per cent APC and APC is Kogi state 100 per cent.”

“I sincerely appreciate my people for displaying this love and affection. It is organic, it is inborn, it is inherent, it is in our DNA.