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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Allies of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, under the banner of the Kogi Central Progressive Elites, have lambasted the Obi-Kwankwaso movement, a support group of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria’s Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, for calling on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe a cash empowerment scheme by the lawmaker.
The group described the move as a desperate political manoeuvre aimed at undermining her growing influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Assistant Publicity Secretary of the group, Isah Jonny, in a statement yesterday, alleged that the agitation was politically sponsored by individuals uncomfortable with the senator’s growing popularity and acceptance across Kogi Central.
Jonny faulted attempts to portray the empowerment initiative as vote-buying without established evidence, insisting that legitimate constituency interventions should not be criminalised merely because they involve financial assistance to beneficiaries.
He acknowledged that public officials must be accountable but cautioned against using anti-corruption agencies as instruments of political intimidation.
He stressed that allegations were not proof of guilt and that any investigation must be guided by credible evidence and due process.
He declared that constituents were satisfied with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s representation, pointing to her legislative engagement, grassroots connection and empowerment initiatives as evidence of her commitment to public service.
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He maintained that the senator’s political standing should be determined by her constituents rather than by political pressure groups or opposition-sponsored narratives.
He also dismissed threats to mobilise against her return to the National Assembly, challenging her opponents to present credible alternatives, verifiable achievements and a convincing development agenda instead of concentrating on attacks against her person.
Expressing confidence in the senator’s political resilience, he declared that she would not be distracted by the controversy but would remain focused on effective representation and the welfare of her constituents.
He urged her supporters to remain calm and united, while calling on political actors to embrace issue-based campaigns and constructive engagement.
He insisted that the 2027 general elections would provide the people of Kogi Central with an opportunity to assess their representative and determine her political future through the ballot.
“The people have a voice, the people have a choice, and the people reserve the ultimate democratic mandate. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan must not be distracted from the responsibility of representing her people,” he added.
