Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has issued a strong warning to former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that she is not intimidated by any potential challenge from him.

Speaking on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Akpoti-Uduaghan reacted to reports suggesting that Bello may be considering a return to elective politics by contesting the Kogi Central senatorial seat she currently occupies.

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The senator dismissed any suggestion that she feels threatened by the former governor’s political influence, recalling her victory in the 2023 elections against candidates widely believed to have been backed by Bello while he was still in office.

“Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She argued that Bello’s former position as governor, with all the power and influence that came with it, did not prevent her from winning the seat in a keenly contested election.

“He may have been governor, wielded enormous power, and attempted to influence every corner of the political process, but I overcame him,” she added.

Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that her mandate was earned through popular support and grassroots mobilisation, insisting that the people of Kogi Central would once again decide their future at the polls, not political godfathers.

Her remarks come amid growing political speculations in Kogi State as alignments begin to form ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts predicting a potentially fierce contest should Yahaya Bello formally declare interest in the senatorial race.

For now, the senator appears confident, projecting herself as a formidable force and positioning the contest as one she is fully prepared to face.