The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has played down concerns surrounding the decision of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to contest her senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said Bello’s declaration does not put her under any form of pressure, stressing that she views the development as a normal part of the democratic process.

Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, the senator said she was unfazed by the former governor’s ambition and welcomed the contest.

According to her, Bello’s interest in the race is not seen as a threat, adding that she remains confident in her political standing and performance. She noted that she is prepared for any contest that may arise ahead of the next election cycle.

Akpoti-Uduaghan currently occupies the Kogi Central Senatorial seat, having won the position in 2023 after a prolonged legal battle. Her victory marked a historic milestone, as she became the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.

Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, recently announced his intention to run for the Senate in 2027. The declaration was made during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, where he met with traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders from the senatorial district.

A video of the event, later shared on Bello’s verified Facebook page, showed him publicly accepting calls to contest the seat. Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was present at the gathering alongside other political leaders and was said to have encouraged his predecessor to heed appeals from party leaders and constituents to represent the district at the National Assembly.