
Suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has revealed that her dramatic decision to fly into her hometown via helicopter was born out of necessity after the state government imposed restrictions that blocked her access by road.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that her husband suggested the helicopter alternative after security forces erected multiple checkpoints on the roads leading to Ihima, Okehi Local Government Area. The senator, who addressed a large crowd upon arrival, defied a state-imposed ban on political rallies, which authorities claimed was due to security concerns.
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“It was my husband’s idea. They blocked every road leading to my house, so he suggested we fly in with a helicopter,” she explained, insisting that the restrictions were politically motivated and targeted at her.
Despite warnings from the Kogi State Police Command that hoodlums might hijack the gathering to cause unrest, Akpoti-Uduaghan pressed ahead, maintaining that she broke no laws. “I don’t think the state governor has the right to dictate how I speak to my people,” she asserted.
On her relationship with Governor Usman Ododo, the embattled lawmaker expressed disappointment, claiming that Ododo succumbed to pressure from his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, to support efforts to recall her from the Senate. “At least four of the 14 individuals who signed the recall petition were aides to Governor Ododo. He gave his approval for the process,” she alleged.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for dismissing the recall petition, arguing that it lacked credibility. “We checked the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and found that the petitioning group wasn’t registered. Even the address they provided does not exist.”
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While the electoral body counted 208 signatures, she expressed confidence that a proper verification process would have exposed the petition as fraudulent. “If they had moved to the next stage, they would have struggled to find even 500 real people to confirm signing it.”
Brushing aside concerns about future recall attempts, Akpoti-Uduaghan remained confident in the support of her constituents. “I trust my people. My election wasn’t just about party loyalty. Even APC members and supporters of other parties voted for me. My people know I represent them, and they are happy with me,” she declared.