In a stunning turn of events, Natasha H Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator-Elect of Kogi Central, has vehemently rejected Governor Yahaya Bello’s congratulatory message, accusing him of a sinister plot to harm her during the senatorial election held in March.
These startling claims came to light during her appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan came forward with alarming accusations, asserting that she had been subjected to a harrowing experience.
She boldly claimed, “I heard guns; I had his henchmen shoot at my vehicle; I have video evidence of that.”
Furthermore, she disclosed that the perpetrators were individuals adorned in APC shirts, with one of them identified as Amoka, a returning officer for Okehi local government.
This group of ten men allegedly took aim at her, with the incident recorded on video.
Expressing her deep concerns, Akpoti-Uduaghan pointed out the inconsistency in Governor Yahaya Bello’s recent statement, in which he acknowledged her victory as the duly elected candidate for Kogi Central.
She criticized the governor’s remarks, highlighting the perilous nature of these actions and labeling them as ‘the beauty of democracy.’
In her own words, “You don’t endanger people, you don’t set out to kill people, you don’t destroy properties, and you don’t frustrate the electoral process just because you want your candidate to win and call it ‘the beauty of democracy.”
The Senator-Elect additionally alleged that the governor deliberately disrupted essential routes within the state to impede the seamless progress of the election.
She revealed, “Apart from that, the governor thwarts roads. The governor, a day before the election, cut five – he dug gullies, cutting five roads.
That was just to prevent the election from taking place, probably endangering my life.”
Despite the numerous threats and challenges she faced, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan remained resolute, determined not to appear vulnerable, especially as a woman engaged in political leadership.
She emphasized the importance of demonstrating strength and not discouraging other women like her from participating in politics, stating, “I had to show strength; that was why I did not tell every part of this story; it was so much more than the world knows.”
As of the time of this report, Governor Bello’s team has not provided a response to these serious allegations.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan also discussed her victory, expressing gratitude for the judiciary’s courage in upholding her election.
She acknowledged the uncertainty that loomed until her victory was declared and expressed her commitment to bringing innovative leadership closer to the people.
This account paints a vivid picture of a turbulent political landscape, marked by allegations and counter-allegations, underscoring the challenges faced by individuals striving to make a difference in Nigeria’s political arena.
