Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has dismissed concerns that the decision of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to contest her senatorial seat in the 2027 general elections poses any threat to her political future.

The lawmaker said she is not under pressure over Bello’s declaration and described the development as welcome.

Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, in an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Akpoti-Uduaghan insisted that Bello’s ambition would not unsettle her.

“We don’t see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them,” she said.

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Akpoti-Uduaghan, who won the mandate in 2023 after a prolonged legal battle.

A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan made history as the first woman to represent Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate.

Yahaya Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, had earlier announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in the 2027 elections.

The former governor made the declaration 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 visit, including Bello’s declaration, was later shared on his verified Facebook page.

“I accept to run for the Senate in 2027,” Bello was heard saying while addressing the gathering.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, was present at the event alongside other political leaders and community stakeholders.

Governor Ododo was said to have appealed to his predecessor to heed calls from party leaders and constituents urging him to represent the district at the National Assembly.

The appeal was reportedly made in the presence of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and other influential figures from the area.

The Bureau Newspaper reports that the unfolding contest sets the stage for a high-profile political showdown in Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 general elections.