‘He deserves a second chance’: VeryDarkMan declares support for Yahaya Bello’s Kogi Central senatorial bid

Popular social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, otherwise known as VeryDarkMan, has sparked widespread reactions after publicly declaring his support for former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, ahead of the 2027 Kogi Central senatorial race.

On December 30, the former governor publicly announced his intention to contest the Kogi Central Senatorial seat during a visit to the palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland.

He addressed traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other stakeholders from the senatorial district, stating, “I accept to run for the Senate in 2027.”

The event was attended by the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, as well as other political figures and community leaders from across the district.

Bello, who is currently on trial over fraud allegations, governed Kogi State from 2016 to 2024 and remains an influential figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The Kogi Central Senatorial seat is currently occupied by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who was elected in 2023. A lawyer and former governorship aspirant, Akpoti-Uduaghan made history as the first woman to represent the district in the Senate.

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In a post on Tuesday, VeryDarkMan stated that the controversies that have trailed Bello in the past, including allegations and investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. However, he argued that those experiences show a man who has reflected on his mistakes and grown over time.

“In light of what had happened in the past, the controversy, the accusations by the EFCC and some Nigerians, I see a true leader who has worked on his flaws and over time has become a better man,” he said.

According to him, leadership should also be about redemption, insisting that everyone deserves a second chance to prove they can do better. He said this belief is the reason he is standing firmly behind Bello’s senatorial ambition.

VeryDarkMan contrasted Bello with his main rival, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, claiming she lacks the experience and leadership qualities needed for the role. His remarks about Akpoti-Uduaghan, which included personal and gender-based criticisms, have drawn mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians condemning the tone while others focused on the political message behind his endorsement.

“Everybody deserves a second chance. YOU, Yahaya Adoza Bello deserves a second chance to show Nigerians the good in you and that is why I am standing firmly with you as you contest for the KOGI CENTRAL SENATE SEAT against Natasha akpoti uduaghan who doesn’t have the experience and qualifications of a leader, we have all seen how sentimental she is, a woman like her should be at home taking care of the kids and cooking for her husband…..GOD BLESS YAHAYA BELLO….INCOMING 2027 SAK YAHAYA 2027,” he added.

Meanwhile, Senator Natasha has played down concerns over Yahaya Bello’s declaration to contest her senatorial seat in 2027, insisting that the development poses no threat to her political career.

Speaking through her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, the lawmaker said that she welcomed Bello’s entry into the race.

“We don’t see it as a threat. In fact, we are happy that he wants to contest. We are waiting for them,” the senator said, signalling confidence ahead of the upcoming general elections.