Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has made serious allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing him of instructing former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her. Akpoti-Uduaghan further implicated the current Kogi Governor, Usman Ododo, in the plot, which she claims was part of a broader political conspiracy.
The senator made these allegations public on Tuesday during an address to her supporters in Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area, Kogi State. According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the recall process against her was masterminded by Akpabio, in collaboration with key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC), with the aim of removing her from office.
Allegations of a Political Assassination Plot
Akpoti-Uduaghan recounted how Akpabio allegedly pressured Governor Usman Ododo to initiate the recall effort, but the governor reportedly resisted, citing the strong support she had from the people. “On the 14th of March at 10:30 p.m., Akpabio spoke to Governor Ododo to recall me. But he told him it would be impossible because the masses are with her, the people are with her. But Akpabio was not satisfied,” she stated.
The senator claimed that when Governor Ododo resisted, Akpabio allegedly turned to Yahaya Bello, with a senator from Cross River, Asuquo Ekpenyong, reportedly accompanying Bello to a meeting where money exchanged hands to fund the recall.
However, the most shocking claim was that Akpabio allegedly instructed Bello to ensure her assassination in Kogi, rather than Abuja, to make it appear as though the attack was the result of local unrest rather than a politically motivated killing. “The second thing he told him was that he should try and kill me,” Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged, adding, “I wrote to the IG of Police, and Akpabio told Yahaya Bello—I am standing on what I’ve said—that he should make sure that killing me does not happen in Abuja, that it should be done here so it will seem as if it’s the people that killed me here.”
Political Tensions and the Recall Effort
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations are viewed against the backdrop of political tension in Kogi Central. Analysts suggest that the recall effort would struggle to succeed without substantial political backing, and many see the recall as an extension of the political rivalry between the senator and Akpabio, particularly after her suspension from the Senate on March 6 following a clash with the Senate President.
Despite the severity of the allegations, neither Akpabio, Bello, nor Governor Ododo have publicly responded to the claims. The senator, however, remains resolute, urging her supporters to stand firm against what she calls political intimidation.
Rising Security Concerns in Kogi Central
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegations have raised significant security concerns as the political situation in Kogi Central continues to escalate. The senator confirmed that she had notified security agencies about the alleged assassination plot but chose not to make the matter public until now.
As the recall process continues to unfold, the situation remains tense, with many questioning the potential for further political unrest in the region.
