The political atmosphere in Kogi State escalated on Tuesday following the controversial visit of suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to her constituency, despite a government and police ban on rallies and public gatherings. Her visit, which defied these restrictions, triggered strong reactions from political rivals and state authorities after she alleged a plot to assassinate her.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions, accusing her of violating legal directives and heightening political tensions.
Defying Restrictions to Hold Sallah Celebration
Despite the government-imposed ban on rallies in Kogi Central due to security concerns and a curfew declared by the Okehi Local Government Chairman, Akpoti-Uduaghan arrived at her Okehi residence to a warm reception by a large crowd of supporters. She organized a homecoming and Sallah celebration for her constituents, asserting that she was not breaking any law by doing so.
Her visit comes amid a fierce political battle with Senate President Akpabio, whom she had previously accused of sexual harassment. Her petition to the Senate on the issue was dismissed on March 6 by the Ethics Committee, which instead suspended her for six months without pay.
Ahead of her visit, Akpoti-Uduaghan warned on Facebook that Nigerians should hold Akpabio, Governor Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello responsible if she or her supporters faced any attacks.
“Should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible,” she wrote.
Allegations of Assassination Plot
Addressing her supporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed there was a plot to assassinate her, alleging that a meeting took place where a strategy for her recall and elimination was discussed.
“Senator Asuquo drove Yahaya Bello to Hilton. The meeting had two parts: first, he offered to sponsor my recall, and second, he advised that I should be killed—but not in Abuja, rather at home here in Ebira land,” she alleged.
She further accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of colluding with petitioners seeking her recall, claiming that signatures were gathered fraudulently.
“In two days, 250,000 people allegedly signed a petition to recall me—the most performing senator. The process is a sham,” she declared.
Government and Police Response
On Monday, the Kogi State Government banned rallies and public gatherings, citing security threats. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, also warned Akpoti-Uduaghan against proceeding with her planned rally.
Reacting to her defiance, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, labeled her accusations as “reckless and malicious.”
“She deliberately violated the government’s ban on political gatherings meant to maintain peace. Her statements exposed her intention to incite trouble,” Fanwo said.
He also accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of a history of lawlessness, stating, “She thrives on spreading falsehoods to gain public sympathy.”
Akpabio’s Response
Senate President Akpabio declined to engage in the controversy. His media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, emphasized that commenting on the matter would be sub judice since it is already under legal review.
“That shows the level of respect she has for the rule of law,” Eyiboh remarked in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public accusations.
Human Rights Group Condemns Government Actions
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) criticized the Kogi State Government and Police for allegedly interfering in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit. National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko accused the police of acting as an extension of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to suppress opposition voices.
“The Nigeria Police Force must operate independently and not as a tool for political witch-hunts,” HURIWA’s statement read.
As the political battle in Kogi unfolds, observers remain keenly focused on the potential legal and political ramifications of the ongoing dispute.
