Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has issued a strong warning ahead of her Eid-el-Fitr visit, holding Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello responsible for any violence or attacks against her and her supporters.
Her statement, posted on Tuesday via her official Facebook page, came amidst rising political tension in Kogi State, following a statewide ban on rallies, processions, and large gatherings imposed by Governor Ododo’s administration. The ban has been widely interpreted as an attempt to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan’s planned homecoming rally, which was expected to attract a massive turnout of supporters.
A Defiant Stand Against Intimidation
Addressing her constituents, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to celebrating Sallah with them despite the government’s restrictions.
“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah celebrations today,” she wrote. “However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello, & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
Her statement comes just hours after her media team dismissed speculations that she had canceled her visit, emphasizing that no amount of intimidation would stop her from engaging with the people who elected her into office.
“As the duly elected representative of Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has a constitutional right and duty to visit her constituents, especially during festive periods such as Sallah,” her media team stated.
She further urged her supporters to ignore false information and prepare for a peaceful and joyful celebration.
Kogi State Government’s Sudden Ban on Rallies and Public Gatherings
On Monday, the Kogi State Government abruptly announced a total ban on political rallies, processions, and large public gatherings, citing security threats.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that the decision was based on intelligence reports indicating possible unrest. He pointed to recent violent clashes in Kasemiya, Katubo, and Umozu Ette (in Kogi Local Government Area), where two people were reportedly killed during a dispute linked to fishing activities.
According to Fanwo, the government also restricted security convoys and imposed a temporary suspension of fishing activities in affected areas, claiming that the move was necessary to prevent further bloodshed and maintain public order.
However, multiple sources within Kogi Central have dismissed the state government’s justification as politically motivated, alleging that the restrictions were specifically designed to prevent Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters from organizing a rally for her homecoming visit.
A source told SaharaReporters,
“The government knows that Senator Natasha’s visit will draw thousands of supporters, and they are afraid of what that means for their political dominance. This ban is nothing but an attempt to silence the opposition.”
Police Warning and Threats of a Crackdown
Following the state government’s directive, the Kogi State Police Command issued its own warning to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters, urging them to cancel any planned rallies or processions.
Speaking on Monday night, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, declared that any gathering violating the newly imposed ban would be met with force.
He stressed that the law must be obeyed, and no politician—regardless of status—would be allowed to defy the governor’s order.
Supporters Mobilize Despite Crackdown
Despite the police warning and government restrictions, videos circulating on social media suggest that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters have already begun gathering in anticipation of her arrival.
A live feed posted by Kogi Senator Bashir Haroon showed hundreds of women, dressed in colorful attire, singing, drumming, and chanting in support of Akpoti-Uduaghan.
According to eyewitnesses, supporters have mobilized from different parts of Kogi Central, determined to welcome their senator despite the threats.
One supporter told reporters,
“No matter what they do, we will stand by our senator. She is the voice of the people, and we will not allow anyone to silence her.”
Political Implications and Rising Tensions
The growing standoff between Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and Governor Ododo’s administration has fueled speculation about deeper political tensions in Kogi State.
Governor Ododo, a close ally of former Governor Yahaya Bello, has been accused of using state power to suppress opposition figures and shield his predecessor from corruption investigations.
Bello, who ruled Kogi State from 2016 to 2024, has been the subject of multiple allegations of financial mismanagement and electoral malpractice. Despite calls for accountability, he remains highly influential in state politics, with Ododo seen as his political protégé.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a longtime critic of Bello’s administration, has repeatedly accused his political camp of undermining democracy and attempting to silence dissent. Her recent victory in the Kogi Central senatorial race was seen as a major upset for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further escalating hostilities between her and the state government.
What’s Next?
With Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit set to proceed and her supporters already mobilizing, all eyes are on Kogi State to see whether the government’s restrictions will be enforced or if a showdown between security forces and opposition supporters will unfold.
For now, the senator remains defiant, her supporters determined, and the political climate in Kogi State more volatile than ever.
