By joshua 
Kogi Central 2027: Why Engr. Bashiru Gegu Says Yahaya Bello, Safe Pair of Hands for the Senate
By Abu Micheal
As All Progressives Congress members across Kogi prepare to elect senators who will carry the party’s banner in 2027, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, says the choice for Kogi Central is already clear. For him, former Governor Yahaya Bello is a done deal.
Speaking ahead of the primaries, Engr. Bashiru said his confidence rests on Bello’s track record as governor and the impact he left across the state. According to him, Kogi Central is fortunate to have a leader of Bello’s calibre ready to take the senatorial seat and turn that experience into tangible results for the district.
In a political space where loyalty often shifts with convenience, Engr. Bashiru has become known as “the last man standing.” From his steadfast support for former Governor Yahaya Bello to his commitment to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, he has earned a reputation for dependability and consistency. That same consistency now defines his advocacy for Bello’s senatorial bid.
A Chemical Engineer trained at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Engr. Bashiru brings both technical depth and grassroots connection to governance. Fondly called “Engr. Bash,” he is a rallying point in Lokoja/Koton Karfe politics, with influence cutting across traditional rulers, professionals, women, youth, and the broader political class. His courage was on display when he led vigilante efforts against kidnappers in Koton Karfe, an act that endeared him to stakeholders across the state.
At the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, he has repositioned the sector as a cornerstone of Kogi’s economic transformation. From 15 mining licenses to 30, and the procurement of mining equipment, Kogi is now taking deliberate steps to harness its over 30 commercially viable minerals, including gold, lithium, limestone, and coal. The goal is simple: reduce dependence on federal allocations, create jobs, and open the state to serious investors.
It is this same eye for delivery and continuity that informs his support for Yahaya Bello in the Senate. Engr. Bashiru argues that legislative effectiveness is built over time through relationships, committee work, and mastery of parliamentary processes. A senator with experience and influence is better placed to attract federal projects, lobby for infrastructure, and secure appointments and interventions for his people. For Kogi Central, Bello’s entry into the Senate would mean stronger advocacy on roads, education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and rural electrification, with the capacity to see these initiatives through.
He also points to the advantage of seniority and political stability. Former governors who move to the Senate bring bargaining power and national relevance that translate into grants, agricultural support, and employment opportunities for their constituents. For a district facing security challenges, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, continuity matters more than starting over.
Beyond policy, Engr. Bashiru’s case for Bello is about understanding the terrain. Bello knows Kogi Central’s challenges firsthand. His representation would ensure consistency in pushing solutions on insecurity, unemployment, and education, while prioritizing entrepreneurship, vocational training, scholarships, and support for small businesses.
For Engr. Bashiru, the message to APC members is straightforward. Kogi Central needs a senator who can hit the ground running, leverage established networks, and command attention in Abuja from day one. In Yahaya Bello, the district has that figure.
The primaries will come and go, but the need for experienced, strategic representation will remain. And for Kogi Central, Engr. Bashiru believes the safest bet is to stand with a man who has already proven he can deliver.