By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello, has declared that the 2027 governorship race is already settled, insisting there will be “no vacancy” at Lugard House.
Bello made the remark on Wednesday during a courtesy visit by members of the Kogi Central Journalists Guild (KOCJG) to his Abuja residence.
Throwing his full support behind his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, Bello said Ododo’s performance within just one year in office has proven he deserves a second term without challenge.
“Governor Ododo has shown capacity, vision, and commitment to the progress of Kogi State. Anyone thinking of contesting against him in 2027 will be wasting time and resources,” Bello said.
He commended Ododo for consolidating on his administration’s achievements, particularly in infrastructure, social welfare, and quality of life. “He picked up from where we stopped, and Kogites are already seeing the impact in areas like roads, healthcare, and education,” he added.
Bello also praised the governor’s approach to security, noting that despite Kogi’s complex geography—bordering over nine states—Ododo has maintained one of the safest environments in the country. “Security is key, and Governor Ododo is not joking with it,” he stated.
On agriculture, the former governor highlighted efforts to boost food production through the distribution of modern tools and improved seedlings, stating that Kogi is now moving toward food sufficiency and may soon supply neighboring states.
He urged all citizens of Kogi State to rally behind the governor, emphasizing that progress requires unity and collective effort. “We must support the governor to do even more. Kogi’s development is our shared responsibility,” he said.
With Bello’s early and emphatic endorsement, many political observers believe the groundwork is being laid for what could be a smooth re-election bid for Governor Ododo in 2027.