Grassroots Movement Insists on Ousting Kogi Central Senator Over Alleged Misrepresentation
Thousands of Kogi Central constituents are standing firm in their demand to recall Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate, dismissing what they describe as false narratives and propaganda aimed at derailing the process.
The growing movement, which spans across the five local government areas of Kogi Central, is being championed by the Kogi Central Grassroots Movement. In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, the group reiterated its determination to see through the recall process, emphasizing that the senator’s time in office had been a political misstep that needed correction.
The statement, signed by the group’s Coordinator, AbdulHameed Jimoh, and Secretary, Mohammed Abdullahi, accused Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of attempting to manipulate public perception by fabricating videos and distorting facts surrounding the recall petition.
“She has come to the end of her stay at the Senate. No amount of deception can change the reality on the ground. Her recall is the will of the people.”
Claims of Betrayal and Failed Representation
According to the group, even former loyalists of the senator have turned their backs on her due to allegations of self-serving politics. They argue that her time in the National Assembly has been more about personal gain than advancing the interests of Kogi Central.
“She went to the National Assembly to pursue her personal interest, not the interest of Kogi Central,” the statement read.
They also criticized her for allegedly making baseless accusations against the Senate President, stating that her suspension had nothing to do with the sexual harassment claims she made internationally.
“She has turned herself into a laughingstock within the international community with ridiculous allegations and an attempt to deceive the world about her suspension,” the group alleged.
Allegations of Political Manipulation and Stage-Managed Protests
The Kogi Central Grassroots Movement further alleged that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had been orchestrating media narratives to falsely present herself as a victim of political persecution.
According to them:
She allegedly sent items to people in Okene to entice them to join a protest in her favor.
People were reportedly brought in from outside Kogi Central to artificially boost the protest’s numbers.
Her team allegedly circulated false media reports that some constituents had been tricked into signing the recall petition.
“The embattled senator and her team churned out orchestrated false reports that people were hoodwinked into signing the recall register. The truth is, Kogi Central constituents are tired of her.”
Political Fallout: Kogi Central in the Eye of the Storm
The movement expressed regret that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions had put Kogi Central under negative national and international scrutiny.
“No reasonable constituents will fold their arms and watch their senatorial district dragged through the mud.”
The recall, they said, is not just a political move but a deliberate effort to restore credibility and ensure that Kogi Central is represented by someone who prioritizes the needs of the people.
“She should leave the stage to face her strange activism and quarrels so that we can have quality representation.”
Accusations of Internationalizing a Domestic Issue
Another major concern raised by the group was Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to take her grievances to international bodies such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the United Nations (UN).
They accused her of attempting to embarrass the Nigerian government on the global stage instead of addressing her issues through domestic legal and political processes.
“You cannot go abroad to disgrace your country and still expect to maintain a leadership position. The best course of action for her was to resign. Since she has refused, the people are determined to remove her.”
Call for Media Integrity and Transparency
The movement also called on the Nigerian media to be more vigilant in verifying the narratives being pushed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan and her supporters.
They dismissed claims that people had been tricked or paid to sign the recall register, insisting that the process was voluntary and widely supported across Kogi Central.
“The thousands of people who came out to sign the recall petition were not deceived. These are people who are tired of her leadership and want change.”
A Political Showdown Looms
With the recall process gaining momentum, the fate of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in the Senate remains uncertain. While her supporters argue that she is being victimized for standing up against injustice, her critics maintain that her time in office has been marked by controversy, misrepresentation, and misplaced priorities.
Read also: CJN Kekere-Ekun Decries Declining Ethics in Nigerian Legal Profession
As events unfold, all eyes remain on Kogi Central, where the outcome of this political battle could set a precedent for how dissatisfied constituents can challenge their elected representatives.
