Akpoti-Uduaghan made the remarks during an appearance on the Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, amid reports that Bello may be considering a bid for the Kogi Central senatorial seat currently occupied by the senator.
Reacting to the speculation, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed suggestions that she was threatened by Bello’s possible return to the ballot, recalling her victory in the 2023 general election against candidates backed by the former governor.
“Let me make this very clear: I am not afraid of Yahaya Bello,” she said. “He may have been governor and wielded enormous power, but I overcame him.”
The senator stated that she won the 2023 election across all five local government areas in her district, noting that she deliberately refused to participate in what she described as a heavily manipulated process in one locality.
According to her, a fresh contest with Bello in 2027 would not be a normal election battle.
“If we meet on the ballot in 2027, it won’t be a contest — it will be a reckoning. I am his nightmare,” she declared.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also addressed speculations about her political future and party affiliation, affirming her continued loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) despite overtures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and individuals linked to the presidency.
She said any future political decision would be guided by consultations with her family, constituents and party, although she noted that unresolved internal crises within the PDP could force her to explore other options.
“If the PDP has not resolved its internal crisis before the elections, I would need just one month to choose a platform — and my people will move with me,” she said.
The senator has previously accused Bello, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododoof being responsible for any violence that might occur during her engagements with constituents.
In response, Bello had earlier petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, over what he described as defamatory statements made by the senator.
