Kogi State officials and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have categorically rejected claims made by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who alleged a plot to have her killed during her recent visit to her constituency.
Her defiant appearance, despite a ban on public gatherings, has further heightened tensions in the state.
On Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, travelled to her hometown of Okehi for a Sallah celebration, despite an official prohibition on rallies and public events due to security concerns.
Thousands of her supporters gathered in defiance of the order, creating a charged atmosphere.
During the event, Akpoti-Uduaghan levelled serious accusations, claiming that a senator, in collaboration with former Governor Yahaya Bello, was plotting her assassination.
She also alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had aided in a fraudulent recall effort against her, raising questions about the legitimacy of the 250,000 signatures purportedly gathered in just 48 hours.
In response, the Kogi State Government quickly labelled her accusations as “irresponsible and completely false,” arguing that the senator’s actions were intended to provoke chaos.
A statement issued by the state government emphasized that her visit violated local curfew rules and the public gathering ban imposed by the Okehi Local Government.
Authorities accused her of attempting to distract from her suspension and ongoing legal troubles. “Her statements were designed to cause disorder,” the government said, asserting that she was an instigator of unrest rather than a victim.
The Kogi State Police Command also reaffirmed the ban on political rallies, noting that Akpoti-Uduaghan had been warned beforehand.
Commissioner of Police Miller Dantawaye emphasized that the police would continue to ensure that the law was upheld.
Senate President Akpabio, through his spokesperson Eseme Eyiboh, dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims as baseless and irresponsible.
Eyiboh highlighted that the matter was currently under legal review, making it inappropriate to comment further. “Her accusations reflect a clear disregard for the rule of law,” Eyiboh added.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit comes amid a deepening political rift, following her previous accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio, which led to her suspension from the Senate in March.
This latest episode has further polarized the political landscape in Kogi State.
Despite efforts by Governor Ododo to ease tensions, including suspending a local vigilante leader and offering condolences to the Kano State Government, security concerns remain high, with authorities maintaining a strong presence in Kogi Central.