Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan made a dramatic return to Kogi Central on Tuesday, the constituency she represents in the Nigerian Senate, arriving grandiosely in a helicopter amid thunderous cheers from a massive crowd of supporters.
Her arrival, around 3 p.m., came despite a government ban, and police advisories against holding public gatherings.
The senator, who has faced political opposition and a recent suspension from the Senate, insisted that nothing would stop her from visiting her people.
Addressing the crowd, she declared, “Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody.”
Government’s Ban and Police Warnings
The Kogi State Government had imposed a ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing security concerns. On Monday, the Kogi Police Command advised Akpoti-Uduaghan to cancel her planned homecoming rally.
The authorities claimed the measures were necessary to prevent potential unrest. However, the senator waved off the restrictions as politically motivated.
"Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land. I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody." – Senator Natasha. https://t.co/somcurnNPt pic.twitter.com/f0T56LV2M8
— Imran Muhammad (@Imranmuhdz) April 1, 2025
“Yesterday, we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be allowed. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time,” she said.
She explained that her visit was purely a festive gathering and not a political event. “We are not having a rally. This is just me, the senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.“
Political Tensions and Public Reactions
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s defiance comes amid worsening political tensions in her State. She has been vocal about alleged intimidation from political opponents and recently faced threats of a recall from the Senate.
Former governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, considered the godfather of Kogi politics, allegedly is interested in Akpoti-Uduaghan’s job. They both come from the same constituency.
Some speculate the senatorial recall, near-impossible, based on Nigeria’s democratic history is being sponsored by Bello’s loyalists.
Akpoti-Uduaghan suspension from the Senate has only fueled debates about her political future and the broader landscape of opposition politics in the state.
Despite the government’s ban, her return received overwhelming support from her constituents, perhaps a pointer to her opponents, that she’s far from finished politically in the state.
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