INEC Confirms Yahaya Bello as APC Candidate for Kogi Central

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released its final list of candidates for the Kogi Central, Kogi East, and Kogi West senatorial districts in preparation for the 2027 National Assembly elections. Former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello is confirmed as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Kogi Central, amidst political uncertainty regarding his grassroots acceptability.

The final list features 42 candidates across the three districts, including notable contenders such as Suzan Jagbadi (Accord Party), Muhammad Jatto (African Action Congress), and the incumbent Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Peoples Democratic Party). Bello emerged as the APC candidate after winning the party's senatorial primary with 72,399 votes, defeating Ibrahim Yakubu Adoke and Momoh Yusuf Obaro.

Kogi East has 17 candidates, while Kogi West lists 14 candidates, including Karimi Sunday (APC) and Yusuf Ayo Tajudeen (PDP). None of the candidates are listed as persons living with disabilities, and their ages range from 36 to 73 years.