Kogi: ‘I’m My Father's Daughter, Not Afraid of Anyone,’ Natasha Speaks Out Amid Row With Akpabio

• Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has said her homecoming did not violate any law following the ban on rallies and public gatherings in Kogi state
• Natasha, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, declared that she is her father's daughter and “not afraid of anyone”
• On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed her commitment to her people and dismissed attempts to intimidate her

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering politics, elections, and governance.

Lokoja, Kogi state - Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the suspended senator representing Kogi Central, has declared that she is her father's daughter and “not afraid of anyone”.

Legit.ng report that despite the ban on political rallies and restrictions on convoys, a massive crowd of supporters thronged Ihima, Okehi local government area (LGA) of Kogi state on Tuesday, April 1, to welcome home Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Natasha, who arrived in a helicopter, defied security restrictions imposed on Kogi state hours prior to her homecoming rally.

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As reported by Vanguard, the suspended federal lawmaker insisted that she did not break any law.

The Cable also noted Natasha's remarks.

She said:

"Yesterday (Monday, March 31), we heard on the news that rallies and gatherings will not be allowed, that roads will be blocked, and convoys leading into the state will not be permitted. I knew that we were the targets. But then I said, this is not political season, this is not campaign time.

“We are not having a rally. This is just me, the Senator representing Kogi Central, coming down to her people to celebrate this festive time – the Sallah with you, and there is nothing wrong with that. I am breaking no law. This is Nigeria. We have the right to be free, to express our choice in gatherings and celebrations.”

Legit.ng reports that the ban on public gatherings by the Kogi state government on Monday, March 31, had heightened tensions, with security forces citing concerns about potential disturbances. Amoka Monday, chairman of Okehi LGA, also declared a curfew across the council area in a statement on Tuesday, April 1. However, the suspended senator remained defiant, asserting that she had every right to visit her hometown.

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Akpoti-Uduaghan: Analyst urges Akpabio to step aside

Meanwhile, a public affairs analyst, Segun Akinleye, urged the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to step aside for an impartial investigation into sexual harassment allegations made against him by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akinleye told Legit.ng:

"From the way it is looking, it is looking like witch-hunting to me.

"When they are bringing the report, he (Akpabio) should have stepped down and allowed the deputy senate president to preside so the people could see that there's a likelihood of neutrality."

Read more on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan vs Akpabio:

• “Akpabio said my waist would make good movements,” Natasha alleges, shares what other senators did
• Diaspora group condemns Senator Natasha for 'spoiling Nigeria's image abroad'
• Natasha calls out Akpabio, Governor Ododo, Yahaya Bello
• Natasha recall: Kogi senator petitions IGP over alleged signature forgery
• Mr Macaroni blasts Ben Bruce for supporting Godswill Akpabio amid Natasha Akpoti's allegations

INEC releases statement on petition for recall of Natasha

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Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held its regular weekly meeting recently.

Among other matters, the meeting discussed the petition for the recall of suspended Akpoti-Uduaghan.

The commission said the process of recall is enshrined in the 1999 constitution, the Electoral Act 2022 as well as its regulations and guidelines for recall 2024. INEC stated that all petitions will be treated in strict compliance with the legal framework.

Source: Legit.ng