The political landscape in Kogi State is heating up again as reports emerge of a coordinated move by former Governor Yahaya Bello and a group of influential politicians to unseat Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the current representative of Kogi Central Senatorial District.
Senator Natasha, a trailblazer who made history as the first female senator from Kogi State, has become a symbol of progressive politics and fierce advocacy, particularly for the revitalization of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill. However, her rising profile and outspoken nature—most notably her recent allegations of sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio—have seemingly made her a target within some elite political circles.
The Push for Replacement
Sources close to the Kogi political scene allege that former Governor Yahaya Bello, who still wields significant influence in the state’s political machinery, is spearheading efforts to reclaim the senatorial seat. According to insiders, Bello is rallying a coalition of political allies and strategists to back a loyalist candidate in preparation for a possible recall or legal challenge to Senator Natasha’s mandate.
Some political observers believe this move is fueled by a combination of personal rivalry and strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Yahaya Bello has always seen Kogi Central as a stronghold, and Natasha’s rise disrupts that narrative,” said a political analyst familiar with Kogi’s internal power dynamics.
Tensions Within the APC and PDP
Although Senator Natasha ran under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi remains a formidable force. There are whispers that Bello is attempting to unite fractured factions within the APC to present a unified front against Natasha. Some have speculated that if unsuccessful through legislative or legal means, the former governor may attempt to sway public opinion through a recall process or back a court case challenging the legitimacy of her election.
Meanwhile, the PDP in Kogi appears to be standing behind its senator—for now. “We will not allow political intimidation to silence the voice of the people,” a party spokesperson said during a press conference in Lokoja.
Senator Natasha Responds
In her characteristic style, Senator Natasha has not remained silent. In a recent social media post, she alluded to “desperate attempts by failed politicians to return Kogi to the dark days of puppetry and political suppression.”
She added, “I was elected by the people of Kogi Central to serve them, not to bow to those who ruled with fear. We must rise above politics of bitterness and focus on service.”
Public Sentiment and Next Steps
On the streets of Okene and other parts of Kogi Central, reactions are mixed. While many view Natasha as a refreshing change from the old guard, others are concerned that the political instability could derail ongoing development efforts.
Civil society organizations have called for restraint and warned against using political power to suppress voices of dissent or reform. “This is about democracy, not personal vendettas,” said a representative of the Kogi Women for Progress group.
As 2025 unfolds, it remains to be seen whether these efforts to replace Senator Natasha will gain traction—or whether the people of Kogi Central will once again rally behind a woman many now regard as the face of modern leadership in the state.
