The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has strongly criticized the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, for allegedly orchestrating a recall process against her using fabricated constituents.
In a statement on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to her supporters and Nigerians who defied intimidation to welcome her in large numbers. She assured them of her unwavering commitment to their mandate and promised to continue serving with dedication.
Massive Support Despite Government Ban
Supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central gathered early in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, to receive the senator, despite an official ban on rallies and processions. The overwhelming turnout underscored her popularity and the people’s resistance to what she described as political oppression.
Accusations Against Yahaya Bello
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan challenged former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to disclose the source of the alleged names used in the recall petition. She asserted that all available evidence points to Bello as the mastermind behind the move, accusing him of orchestrating a political vendetta against her.
The senator recalled Bello’s previous actions during the 2023 general elections, when he was accused of sponsoring multiple attacks against her while she was a candidate.
Condemnation of Political Manipulation
She described the recall attempt as another desperate effort to undermine her mandate.
“I advise the former governor to focus on clearing his name over allegations of fraudulent diversion of N89.2 billion, instead of attempting to destabilize the mandate given to me by the people of Kogi Central,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further criticized Bello for continuing his alleged political machinations despite facing corruption allegations.
“His actions before and during the last general elections, where he sponsored numerous attacks against me, are well documented. This recall attempt is nothing but another ploy to undermine the people’s will,” she stated.
A Strong Message to Opponents
The senator emphasized that the massive support she received proves her popularity in Kogi Central.
“The powers that be tried to suppress the will of the people, but my people emphatically said no—no to injustice, no to the oppression of women, no to a fake recall, no to Yahaya Bello and his allies,” she declared.
She thanked her supporters for resisting intimidation and noted that her political opponents had only succeeded in making themselves more unpopular.
“I will do more for my people. I will not betray them. I will continue to give my best, and they should be assured of my unwavering representation at all times,” she pledged.
