By Lukan Danfulani
Former Kogi State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Kogi Central, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the district for the massive reception that greeted his recent homecoming tour, describing their overwhelming show of love as a renewed call to service.
In an appreciation message dated October 11, 2026, Bello said the enthusiastic turnout across Adavi, Ajaokuta, Okehi, Okene and Ogori/Magongo surpassed his expectations, reaffirming his enduring connection with the people years after leaving office.
He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, elders, women, youths, political stakeholders, professionals, traders, artisans and other residents whose prayers, cultural displays and solidarity made the visit memorable.
According to him, the reception went beyond a homecoming celebration, reminding him that leadership is built on trust, loyalty and a lasting relationship with the people.
Bello stressed that the support he seeks ahead of the 2027 senatorial election is not an entitlement but a responsibility he must continually strive to deserve.
He noted that his engagements at polling units, wards and local government levels were driven by his determination to connect directly with constituents and understand their expectations of effective representation.
The former governor also commended his successor, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for sustaining the state’s governance legacy, reaffirming his confidence in the governor’s leadership and underscoring the importance of unity within the APC.
Bello further praised the peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities of Kogi Central, particularly the Igbo, Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba and other non-indigenous residents, describing their shared aspirations as a source of strength for the district.
He urged residents to sustain the spirit of unity, peace and mutual respect, while offering prayers for prosperity and development across the five local government areas.
As political activities ahead of 2027 gather momentum, Bello’s message combines appreciation with a renewed pledge of responsibility, positioning his senatorial ambition around public trust, unity and purposeful representation.
“Your votes are not an entitlement I claim, but a trust I shall continually strive to deserve,” Bello declared, reaffirming his commitment to earning the confidence of the people of Kogi Central.
