Embattled Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has warned that Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and former Governor Yahaya Bello should be held accountable for any outbreak of violence ahead of her scheduled homecoming rally.
Expressing her determination to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan made it clear that any disruptions should be attributed to the three political figures.
“My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our PEACEFUL Sallah celebrations today,” she wrote on Facebook.
“However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”
Her post follows a directive from the Kogi State Police Command ordering the cancellation of her planned rally—a move widely perceived as a continuation of the ruling party’s clampdown on opposition voices.
In a swift response, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media team refuted claims that she had backed down, affirming her commitment to the visit.
“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central will proceed as planned,” the statement read.
“Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
This standoff comes amid increasing political tension in Kogi State.
On Monday, Governor Ododo imposed a statewide ban on rallies and public gatherings, citing “credible security reports.”
However, critics argue that the move is a pretext to suppress dissent ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, a vocal critic of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi, has repeatedly faced attempts to silence her—including legal battles and violent attacks on her supporters.
Yet, she remains resolute, continuing to challenge the state’s entrenched political establishment.
