Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello has announced plans to contest for a Senate seat.
Gatekeepers News reports that the former said Governor Usman Ododo asked him to help address the challenges facing the Ebira people at the national level.
He made the statement on Monday at the palace of Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, with Ododo among the dignitaries present.
Bello thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promoting unity within the ruling party, noting that leadership requires continuity and collective effort.
He said, “I thank President Bola Tinubu for his thoughts on making our party stronger and united and peaceful and with mutual respect.”
Bello added that Tinubu chose him because he currently holds no political position, describing it as a special consideration for both him and Governor Ododo.
The former Governor said he served according to divine providence and acknowledged that the political journey ahead remains long.
Bello explained that Ododo asked him to take on this role not for personal ambition, but to share the burden of leadership and represent the Ebira people where critical national decisions are made.
Speaking in Ebira, he referenced the national assembly metaphorically as the place where “ozi ewurehi ina” (19 people) gather, meaning the 109 senators.
Bello said, “You cannot like me without liking Ododo, and if you like Ododo and you don’t like me, no problem”, He added that he could not refuse the call if it reflected the wishes of his political supporters.
Reports suggest Bello is considering challenging the current senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The senator recently dismissed claims of being intimidated by Bello, recalling her victory over candidates backed by him in 2023 elections.
