Kogi Women Buy APC Senatorial Forms For Ex-Governor Bello, Cite Empowerment, Security Gains

Women from across Kogi Central Senatorial District have collectively purchased and presented the All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial expression of interest and nomination forms to former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, urging him to contest the forthcoming senatorial election in 2027.

The forms were presented to Bello at his Abuja residence over the weekend, in what the women described as both a symbolic and strategic political move.

Operating under a coalition that cuts across the five local government areas in Kogi Central, the women said the initiative reflected their appreciation for Bello’s record in office as Kogi State governor, particularly in areas of women empowerment, security, and inclusive governance.

According to the group, the decision to pool resources to purchase the forms was deliberate, aimed at asserting women’s growing role as active participants in the political process rather than passive observers.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams said the gesture was unanimously agreed upon by various women’s associations as a demonstration of trust and gratitude.

“It is on record that your tenure ensured the appointment of a female Secretary to the State Government, women vice chairpersons across the 21 local government areas, the first-ever female Aide-de-Camp to a state governor, a female Head of Service, female commissioners, alongside various empowerment programmes for the girl child in Kogi State,” she said.

The group highlighted that beyond political appointments, many women in the district benefited from Bello’s economic initiatives, including skill acquisition programmes, small business support, and strengthened cooperative systems. They noted that these interventions improved livelihoods and boosted women’s confidence to engage in governance and decision-making.

The coalition also linked its support to security improvements recorded during Bello’s administration, recalling periods of communal and clannish clashes that previously disrupted social and economic activities.

They credited the former governor with restoring stability, which they said enabled women to return to their farms and businesses without fear. Supporting his senatorial ambition, they added, is part of a broader effort to sustain that progress at the national level.

Describing their action as both symbolic and strategic, the women said it recognizes past performance while positioning a candidate they trust to represent their interests in the Senate.

Responding, Bello expressed appreciation for the gesture, describing it as humbling and a reminder of the responsibility of leadership.

“I see this not just as support, but as a call to greater service,” he said.

He acknowledged the unity and financial sacrifice of the women, noting that their action places a moral obligation on him to meet their expectations.

Bello assured the coalition that their trust would not be taken for granted, pledging that if elected, he would champion legislation promoting gender inclusion, economic empowerment, youth development, and social equity.

He further emphasised that women would remain central to his political agenda, promising to advocate policies that protect their rights and expand opportunities.

The former governor also urged the group to sustain their unity and political engagement, stressing that meaningful democratic change depends on active citizen participation.