Kogi Showdown: Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan Defies Governor’s Ban, Insists on Sallah Visit

By Juliet Aliwo.

In a bold act of defiance, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has vowed to proceed with her planned Sallah visit to Kogi Central on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, directly challenging a ban on rallies and convoy movements imposed by Governor Usman Ododo.
The governor’s directive, announced just hours prior, ostensibly due to security concerns, has been widely condemned as a thinly veiled attempt to stifle opposition voices in the state. The ban also included the suspension of fishing activities.
Dismissing swirling speculations that her visit had been called off, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s media team issued a statement early Tuesday confirming her unwavering commitment to engaging with her constituents.
“We are pleased to confirm that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Sallah visit to Kogi Central will proceed as planned,” the statement declared. “Despite rumours circulating online, there has been no official announcement from our office regarding the cancellation of this visit.”
The Senator urged her supporters to disregard what she described as fearmongering and to turn out en masse to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her. “Her dedication to the people of Kogi Central is unwavering, and she looks forward to celebrating with them. We assure the public that all necessary arrangements are in place for a successful and joyous event,” the statement added.
Governor Ododo’s controversial ban has ignited a firestorm of criticism. Sources within Kogi State allege that the move is a calculated attempt to obstruct Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return, fearing the significant display of support it would garner.
Governor Ododo has faced previous accusations of utilizing state security apparatus to silence political opponents and has been under scrutiny for allegedly shielding his predecessor, Yahaya Bello, from corruption investigations.
Despite the government’s clampdown, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters remain resolute, asserting that no amount of intimidation will deter them from welcoming their senator home. The stage is now set for a potentially tense standoff as the Senator’s visit coincides with the governor’s imposed restrictions.