Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central in the National Assembly, has caused a stir in Nigerian politics with explosive allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of masterminding a plot to have her recalled and assassinated, a claim she made during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
The Senator’s shocking accusations are centered around the involvement of former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who she alleges was tasked by Akpabio with carrying out the sinister mission. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements have sparked heated reactions from both political allies and critics, and the lawmaker has dared Akpabio to take legal action against her for defamation.
Speaking at a rally in Ihima, Kogi Central, on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan shared what she claims is reliable information about a plot against her life. She alleged that Senate President Akpabio had first attempted to get Usman Ododo, a Kogi political figure, to initiate her recall. However, she asserted that Governor Yahaya Bello, who is aligned with Akpabio, blocked this effort because of the strong support she enjoys among the people of Kogi Central.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, when Ododo’s attempt to recall her failed, Akpabio turned to Bello for assistance. She claimed that Akpabio and Bello met, with Akpabio offering to fund both her recall and, disturbingly, her assassination.
The lawmaker further alleged that the plot was to be executed in such a way that it would appear as though she had been killed by the people of Kogi Central, rather than through a targeted political assassination.
“Akpabio was not satisfied with Ododo’s response; he then called for Yahaya Bello. It was Senator Asuquo who drove Yahaya Bello to the Hiltons. I was informed,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said, recalling the details of the alleged meeting. She claimed that the plot had two key components: the first was to arrange her recall, and the second was a more sinister task—to have her killed.
Akpoti-Uduaghan further alleged that Akpabio had specifically instructed that her assassination should take place in Kogi, outside of Abuja, so it would appear as though the local population had taken matters into their own hands.
“I didn’t make that public, but we did notify the police about it,” Akpoti-Uduaghan revealed, suggesting that her claims had been brought to the attention of law enforcement, though there has been no official confirmation or statement from the police at the time of writing.
During her appearance on Politics Today, Akpoti-Uduaghan responded directly to rumors that Akpabio was considering legal action against her for defamation. She invited the Senate President to follow through with his threat, saying, “I am hearing that the Senate President wants to sue me for that, I will tell him to go ahead. We will meet and cross that bridge.”
This challenge was issued in front of a national audience, further escalating the tension between the two political figures. By daring Akpabio to take legal action, Akpoti-Uduaghan has made it clear that she is prepared for the battle, both in the court of law and in the court of public opinion.
To understand the gravity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations, it is essential to consider the broader political context. Kogi State has long been a hotbed of political rivalry, particularly between different factions within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Both Akpabio, the Senate President, and Bello, the former Kogi State governor, are key figures in Nigerian politics, and their influence in Kogi State remains significant.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a member of the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has been a vocal critic of both Akpabio and Bello. Her political stance has placed her at odds with powerful figures in the APC, making her a target for political attacks. In particular, her vocal opposition to the state government and her calls for greater transparency and accountability have drawn the ire of those in power.
The allegation of a plot to assassinate Akpoti-Uduaghan is not an isolated incident but rather part of a larger pattern of political violence and intimidation that has plagued the Nigerian political landscape. Many opposition politicians in Nigeria have faced similar threats or acts of violence, especially when challenging powerful figures or opposing the status quo.
Since making the death threat accusation, Akpoti-Uduaghan has been under increased scrutiny. Her bold statements have garnered both support and criticism. Some members of her party, the PDP, have rallied behind her, expressing solidarity with the Senator in the face of what they perceive as a politically motivated attack on her life.
However, critics of Akpoti-Uduaghan, particularly those aligned with Akpabio and Bello, have dismissed her allegations as politically motivated and unfounded. These critics argue that the lawmaker is merely trying to gain sympathy and rally support for her cause ahead of future elections.
In her recent statements, Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained that she stands by her allegations and challenged those who doubt her claims to consider the recent recall effort she experienced as evidence of the political machinations at play. “If you are doubting the veracity of the killing, what about the recall that we just experienced? Let us get to that bridge,” she said.
The Senator’s defiant stance suggests that she is prepared for a prolonged political and legal battle. It remains to be seen whether Akpabio will pursue a lawsuit or whether the police will take further action based on the accusations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The allegations made by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked a nationwide debate about political violence, the role of political elites in Nigeria, and the protection of elected officials from harm. As the story continues to develop, the spotlight will be on the Nigerian government, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary to determine whether these allegations will be investigated thoroughly and whether those responsible for any potential crime will be held accountable.
For now, all eyes are on Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as she faces off against some of Nigeria’s most powerful political figures. Her accusations have raised serious questions about the state of Nigerian politics and the lengths to which some individuals may go to protect their power. Whether or not her claims are substantiated, the political fallout from this explosive revelation is likely to be felt for months to come.
