The political landscape in Kogi State took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defied a government-imposed ban on rallies and public gatherings to visit her constituency. The visit, which drew thousands of enthusiastic supporters, was met with sharp criticism from Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming and Sallah celebration in Okehi came amid rising political tensions in Kogi Central, where a curfew had been declared by the local government. Despite warnings from the state government and police authorities, the senator arrived via helicopter, addressing her supporters and alleging a plot to assassinate her. She directly accused Akpabio, Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello of being behind the alleged plot, a claim that has further deepened the political rift in the state.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations and Defiance
During her address to supporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan did not hold back in making serious accusations against prominent political figures. She claimed that a meeting was held where her assassination was allegedly discussed and that her recall from the Senate was being orchestrated by powerful individuals.
She stated, “Senator Asuquo drove Yahaya Bello to Hilton, where a meeting was held in two folds. Firstly, they discussed my recall and sponsorship of the process. Secondly, they plotted my assassination, ensuring that it should not happen in Abuja but in my home state.” She also criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for allegedly facilitating the recall process, describing it as fraudulent and manipulated.
Despite the ban on political gatherings, she maintained that her visit was purely for a Sallah celebration and not a political rally. “This is my land, my home. I came to celebrate Sallah with my people, and no law forbids that,” she asserted.
State Government and Akpabio React to Accusations
In swift responses, both the Kogi State Government and Senate President Akpabio dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations as baseless and politically motivated. The Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, issued a strongly worded statement condemning her claims, stating that her actions were a deliberate attempt to incite unrest in the state.
Fanwo said, “Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a history of making reckless and unfounded allegations. Her recent claims are nothing more than a desperate attempt to gain public sympathy and manipulate perception. The state government will not be blackmailed or intimidated by her antics.”
Similarly, Senate President Akpabio distanced himself from the controversy. His media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations were not worth responding to, adding, “She has no respect for the rule of law and continues to make unfounded accusations.” He further noted that since the case is currently in court, any comment on the matter would be sub judice.
HURIWA and Other Groups Condemn Government Actions
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the actions of the Kogi State Government and police, accusing them of political suppression. The group argued that the ban on rallies was strategically imposed to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan from reconnecting with her supporters.
HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, said, “It is a blatant abuse of power for the state government and police to prevent a sitting senator from visiting her constituents under the guise of security concerns. This is nothing but politically motivated interference.”
Other civil society groups have also called on the federal government to intervene in what they describe as a growing culture of political suppression in Kogi State.
Implications for Kogi’s Political Climate
The ongoing dispute between Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Kogi State Government, and Senate leadership highlights the deep divisions within the state’s political structure. The allegations, the recall process, and the government’s response have all contributed to a charged atmosphere in Kogi Central.
Political analysts suggest that this development could set a dangerous precedent for political suppression and the use of security apparatus to stifle opposition voices. With the 2027 elections on the horizon, the ongoing feud between Akpoti-Uduaghan and her political adversaries is likely to shape the state’s political landscape for years to come.
As tensions escalate, many observers are calling for an impartial investigation into Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations and a fair resolution to the crisis to prevent further political unrest in the region.
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