Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan received a grand welcome from supporters in Kogi State on Tuesday, despite a government ban on rallies and public gatherings. Thousands of supporters from the five local government areas of Kogi Central gathered in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, to receive her.
Her arrival was dramatic. As supporters sang and danced, she landed in a white helicopter, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.
Speaking to her supporters, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the restrictions imposed by the Kogi State Government. She insisted that she was in Kogi to celebrate Sallah with her people, not to hold a political rally.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said, “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 further emphasized that her visit was not illegal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan added, “We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to celebrate this festive time—the Sallah—with you. 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.”
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Her visit came after the chairman of Okehi Local Government Area, Amoka Monday, imposed a curfew across the council, warning that movement and gatherings were restricted. The police also issued a warning about potential security threats.
Despite these measures, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters defied the restrictions and turned out in large numbers to receive her.
The senator has faced increasing political battles in recent weeks. She was recently suspended by the Senate following a sexual harassment controversy involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
She has accused Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello of being behind political attacks against her, claiming they are working to silence her.
Additionally, a recall process against her is underway, further intensifying the political tension surrounding her in Kogi State.