Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged voters in Kogi Central Senatorial District to assess candidates contesting the 2027 general elections based on their performance in public office, integrity and accountability.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central at the National Assembly, said the elections would provide an opportunity for constituents to evaluate political office holders based on their achievements and contributions to public service.
In a statement issued by her media office in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that many of the politicians seeking elective positions had previously held public office and should therefore be judged by their records.
“Most of those contesting have held elective positions before. So, electorates will have to judge us based on what we have been able to achieve when we had the opportunity to serve,” she said.
Her comments come amid growing political activity in Kogi Central ahead of the 2027 senatorial election, following former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello’s declaration that he expects to defeat the incumbent senator.
Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, made the prediction during an appearance on TVC’s Politics Sunday, where he expressed confidence in his electoral prospects and those of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Asked about his expected outcome on election day, he replied, “Massive vote. Decisive victory,” referring to himself and the APC.
In response to the emerging political contest, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged constituents to look beyond party affiliations and campaign promises when deciding whom to support at the polls.
The senator highlighted several projects and interventions she said had been undertaken during her tenure, including road construction, potable water provision, school buildings, scholarships, digital learning equipment, healthcare facilities, markets for women and solar-powered streetlights.
She said her representation had focused on addressing the development needs of the senatorial district.
“My stewardship has been framed by a focus on addressing the critical needs of my people,” she stated.
Looking ahead to the 2027–2031 period, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she intended to build on existing projects and expand development efforts across Kogi Central.
“From 2027–2031, I intend to consolidate on the foundation I have laid, and do more to advance my vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and infrastructurally developed Kogi Central,” she said.
The emerging contest has renewed attention on the records of both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Bello, particularly their respective contributions to public service and development in the district and state.
A community leader, Saidu Bello, expressed support for the senator, arguing that residents should consider the impact of her representation when evaluating potential candidates.
“All of Kogi Central knows that Senator Natasha is the only choice. She has been there for only three years, and we have felt the impact all around us,” he said.
Similarly, young entrepreneur Farouk Lamisi said the practical benefits of political representation were becoming increasingly important to young people in the district.
“Voting for Yahaya Bello is to endorse blatant failure, and we will not do that! We know better now,” Lamisi said.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, infrastructure, education, healthcare, access to clean water and economic opportunities are expected to remain important issues for voters in Kogi Central.
The contest is also likely to intensify scrutiny of candidates’ previous records, legislative contributions, constituency projects and responses to the needs of their communities.
Ultimately, voters will have to assess the competing claims and available records of those seeking their mandate before deciding who will represent the district in the next electoral cycle.
