The political atmosphere in Kogi State has become more charged following a controversial visit by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her constituency despite a state-wide ban on public gatherings.
The embattled senator’s homecoming rally in Okehi, Kogi Central, has sparked reactions from both political opponents and state authorities, escalating tensions in the already volatile region.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defiant visit came amidst rising concerns over security and allegations of political intimidation.
During the gathering, the senator claimed there was an orchestrated plot to assassinate her, accusing the state governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio of being complicit.
These allegations have triggered a fierce backlash, with the state government and political figures dismissing her claims as baseless.
Defying a Ban, Receiving a Hero’s Welcome
The state government, citing security concerns, had banned public gatherings and political rallies just a day before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned visit. Additionally, the Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area declared a curfew to further enforce restrictions.
However, the senator proceeded with her homecoming, arriving at Okehi via helicopter alongside her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, to a rapturous welcome from thousands of supporters.
Speaking at the gathering, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and vowed that no amount of intimidation or political maneuvering would silence her.
She alleged that her life was in danger, linking Governor Ododo, Yahaya Bello, and Akpabio to a purported assassination plot.
Serious Allegations and Political Retaliation
Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that a meeting took place at the Hilton Hotel, where plans were discussed to recall her from the Senate and possibly eliminate her.
According to her, Senator Asuquo played a key role in convincing Yahaya Bello to sponsor the recall process while also suggesting a plan to have her killed in her home state rather than in Abuja.
She further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of facilitating her recall through fraudulent means.
She questioned how 250,000 signatures were supposedly gathered within 48 hours and claimed that the process was manipulated by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), with fictitious names and untraceable addresses used in the petitions.
“I know they will not succeed by the grace of God. The recall will not be successful,” she declared defiantly.
State Government and Akpabio Respond
Reacting to the allegations, the Kogi State Government dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims as “reckless, malicious, and utterly false.” In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, the government accused the senator of attempting to incite unrest and deliberately violating security measures.
“This is yet another desperate and calculated attempt by an incurable liar and serial manipulator to mislead the public, incite unrest, and present herself as a victim after deliberately violating the ban on political gatherings,” the statement read.
Fanwo also warned that the government would not tolerate any acts of lawlessness and stated that the senator would be held accountable if violence erupted in Kogi Central as a result of her actions.
Similarly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio distanced himself from the allegations. His media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, in an interview with newsmen, refused to be drawn into a public exchange with Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating, “Anything concerning Natasha within the purview of the law is subjudice because there is no way you will comment on it without linking it to the President of the Senate, who is also a party to the suit.”
Human Rights Group Condemns Government and Police Actions
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned what it describes as politically motivated interference by the Kogi State Government and the police.
The group accused the police of acting as an extension of the APC by attempting to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan from reuniting with her constituents.
HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, criticized the police’s justification for banning the senator’s visit, arguing that it was a politically driven decision rather than a legitimate security measure.
“The Nigeria Police Force, which is supposed to work in the interest of all Nigerians, has unfortunately become an official attack dog of the All Progressives Congress,” the statement read. “The force must detach itself from political interference and uphold the law impartially.”
A Brewing Political Storm
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit and the fallout from her allegations have further deepened political divisions in Kogi State.
The senator has maintained her stance that she is being targeted for political persecution after accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation that led to her six-month suspension by the Senate’s Ethics Committee.
Her refusal to back down, despite the threats and restrictions, has solidified her position as a formidable opposition figure in Kogi politics.
However, the recall process and increasing political pressure raise questions about her future in the Senate.
With both sides standing their ground, the coming weeks may see further confrontations as Akpoti-Uduaghan fights to retain her senatorial seat and navigate the turbulent waters of Kogi’s political landscape.
Whether her allegations hold merit or are part of a broader political chess game remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—Kogi State is in the grip of intense political drama.
