…….Senator says public records, accountability and tangible achievements must outweigh campaign promises as Yahaya Bello declares confidence in senatorial contest.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has urged voters to scrutinise candidates’ records ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that accountability, integrity and demonstrable performance should define leadership.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Sunday, she said the elections would provide an opportunity for voters 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 as former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello expressed confidence in defeating the incumbent senator in the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial contest.
Speaking on TVC’s Politics Sunday, Bello, who governed the state from 2016 to 2024, said, “The result will speak for itself.” Asked what election day would bring, he declared, “Massive vote. Decisive victory,” clarifying that his prediction was for himself and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Against this backdrop, She urged voters to look beyond campaign rhetoric and party loyalty, insisting that candidates should be assessed on verifiable achievements and their records in public office.
‘Judge Us by What We Have Achieved’
The senator listed road construction, potable water projects, school blocks, scholarships, digital learning tools, healthcare facilities, markets for women and solar-powered streetlights among her interventions in Kogi Central.
“My stewardship has been framed by a focus on addressing the critical needs of my people,” she said.
She added that her ambition for the 2027–2031 period was to consolidate existing gains and expand development across the 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.
Accountability Takes Centre Stage
The emerging contest has drawn attention to the records of both Akpoti-Uduaghan and Bello, whose eight-year administration provides a basis for examining his record as governor.
While supporters of each political figure may highlight their respective achievements, voters can assess their claims against documented projects, public records and the experiences of residents. The same standard of scrutiny applies to both candidates, including the delivery and impact of projects, responsiveness to constituents and fulfilment of previous commitments.
A community leader, Saidu Bello, who expressed support for the senator, said voters should compare her record 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 youths in the district were increasingly focused on performance and the practical benefits of political representation.
“Voting for Yahaya Bello is to endorse blatant failure, and we will not do that! We know better now,” Lamisi said.
The comments represent the views of the senator’s supporters, while the wider electorate will determine its preferences through the ballot.
As the 2027 elections approach, accountability and integrity remain central to the debate over representation in Kogi Central. Voters have an opportunity to examine candidates’ legislative contributions, constituency projects, policy decisions and commitment to public welfare before deciding who deserves their mandate.
Ultimately, campaign declarations must be weighed against verifiable records. The electorate’s task is to scrutinise the candidates’ past performance, assess their promises and determine who can best address the district’s development priorities.
