2027: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Urges Voters to Judge Candidates by Performance as Yahaya Bello Eyes her Senate Seat

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has urged voters to scrutinise the records of political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that accountability, integrity and performance should determine who earns their votes.
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Akpoti-Uduaghan made the call while speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, saying the forthcoming elections would provide an opportunity for Nigerians to assess political officeholders based on their achievements and commitment to public service.

“Most of those contesting have held elective positions before,” she said. “So, electorates will have to judge us based on what we have been able to achieve when we had the opportunity to serve.”

Her remarks come amid growing political attention surrounding the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial contest, in which former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello has expressed confidence in defeating the incumbent senator.

Speaking on TVC’s Politics Sunday, Bello, who governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, expressed confidence in his electoral prospects, declaring, “The result will speak for itself.”

When asked what he expected on election day, the former governor responded, “Massive vote. Decisive victory,” clarifying that he was referring to himself and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Against this backdrop, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged voters to look beyond campaign promises and party affiliations, arguing that candidates should be judged by their records and what they accomplished while in public office.

‘Judge Us by What We Have Achieved’

Highlighting her record in Kogi Central, the senator listed road construction, potable water projects, school blocks, scholarships, digital learning tools, healthcare facilities, markets for women and solar-powered streetlights among the interventions she said had been undertaken during her tenure.

“My stewardship has been framed by a focus on addressing the critical needs of my people,” she said.

She added that her agenda for the 2027–2031 period would focus on consolidating existing achievements and expanding development across the senatorial district.

“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.

Supporters Back Natasha Ahead of 2027 Contest

The emerging political contest has drawn attention to the public service records of both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Bello, whose eight-year tenure as governor provides a basis for assessing his administration’s performance.

While supporters of both politicians may point to their respective achievements, voters will have the opportunity to evaluate their claims against documented projects, public records and the experiences of residents.

The assessment could include legislative contributions, constituency projects, the delivery and impact of infrastructure, responsiveness to constituents and the fulfilment of previous commitments.

A community leader, Saidu Bello, who expressed support for Akpoti-Uduaghan, said voters should compare her performance with those of other political figures who have held public office.

“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, a young entrepreneur, Farouk Lamisi, said young people in the district were increasingly concerned about the performance of their representatives and the practical benefits of political leadership.

“Voting for Yahaya Bello is to endorse blatant failure, and we will not do that! We know better now,” Lamisi said.

The remarks reflect the views of the senator’s supporters and do not necessarily represent the position of the wider electorate, whose preferences will be determined at the polls.

Accountability Takes Centre Stage

As political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections gather momentum, accountability and performance are emerging as key issues in the debate over representation in Kogi Central.

Akpoti

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s call places renewed emphasis on the need for voters to examine candidates’ records, including their legislative activities, constituency interventions, policy decisions and contributions to public welfare.

Bello’s declaration of confidence signals his determination to challenge the incumbent senator, setting the stage for a contest in which both political figures’ records and campaign promises are likely to attract public scrutiny.

Ultimately, voters will have to decide which candidate they believe is best positioned to address the development needs of Kogi Central, weighing political promises against verifiable achievements and their impact on the lives of constituents.
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Just In: Tanker Catches Fire Under Otedola Bridge Along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that a tanker was engulfed in fire under the Otedola Bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
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The spokesperson for the agency, Olawale Afolabi, confirmed this in a terse message sent to journalists on Monday.

Explosion

Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA
Scene of the fire incident. Photo: LASEMA
According to Afolabi, the agency received the distress information at about 4:24 pm and dispatched its Tiger team to the scene of the incident.
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NAF Sustains Intensive at Igbokoda as Water Level Drops Significantly

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has sustained intensive recovery operations at the site of the crashed ATR 42-500 aircraft, NAF 931, at Igbokoda, Ondo State, as operations entered Day Fourteen on 19 October 2026.
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Continuous pumping has significantly reduced the water level at the site, with the recovery team working towards removing most of the remaining water, subject to prevailing conditions. Reinforcement of the embankment with sandbags is also ongoing to prevent collapse and maintain stability as dewatering continues.

The operation requires sustained engineering and dewatering efforts under challenging conditions, underscoring the scale and complexity of the recovery mission. The NAF commends the dedication of all recovery personnel and partner agencies, with special appreciation to Hitech Construction Company for its invaluable support to the ongoing operation.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, commended the recovery team for its resilience and professionalism, reaffirming the NAF’s commitment to completing the operation safely and methodically while supporting the ongoing aircraft accident investigation.

Igbokoda

The NAF remains deeply conscious of the pain and anguish of the bereaved families and extends its heartfelt condolences to them. The Service remains committed to sustaining recovery efforts and providing timely, verified updates as the operation progresses. It also appreciates the patience and cooperation of the Igbokoda community and the continued support of all stakeholders.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force

19 October 2026
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