Tension is brewing in Kogi State as the government has reported Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to security agencies, accusing her of violating a ban on political gatherings.
The Kogi Central senator, who represents the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was given a rousing welcome in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, during her homecoming visit. However, the state government insists that her rally was an act of defiance against the administration’s security restrictions.
Kogi Govt: “She Should Be Held Accountable”
In an official statement, Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, stated that Governor Usman Ododo’s administration had banned political gatherings due to security concerns. He accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of intentionally violating the directive and attempting to cause unrest.
“She should be held accountable for her blatant attempts to incite violence and cause unnecessary tension,” Fanwo stated.
The state government claims that the ban was imposed to prevent a breakdown of law and order, especially in Kogi Central, where political rivalries have often turned violent.
Senator Natasha: “It Was a Sallah Visit, Not a Rally”
Responding to the allegations, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan denied organizing a political gathering, stating that her visit was purely a Sallah celebration with her constituents. She argued that she did not breach any laws and that the crowds were spontaneous, not orchestrated.
“I did not break any law. I was simply visiting my people for the Sallah celebrations,” she said.
Videos circulating online show large crowds welcoming her, with supporters chanting her name and waving PDP flags, further fueling the debate over whether the gathering was political.
What This Means for Kogi Politics
This incident has deepened political tensions in Kogi, with opposition groups accusing the APC-led government of suppressing opposition voices. The state government, on the other hand, insists that its priority is security, not politics.
Key Issues at Stake:
Political Suppression or Legitimate Security Concern? Critics argue that the ban selectively targets opposition figures.
Tension in Kogi Central: The region has a history of political violence, making government restrictions controversial.
2027 Elections in View? Some believe this is an early sign of power struggles ahead of the next election cycle.
What Happens Next?
With security agencies now involved, the political landscape in Kogi is likely to witness heightened scrutiny. Whether Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan will face further action remains unclear, but this episode signals a continuing battle between the opposition and the ruling party in Kogi State.
Stay with Thewatch.ng for updates on this developing story.
