Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Dares Senate President Godswill Akpabio To Sue Her Over Assassination Claims (OPINION)
By Sir Churchill E. Ajusah
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent homecoming to Kogi Central has ignited national discourse, not just because of the political tension surrounding her visit, but also due to her explosive allegations that there were plans to assassinate her. These accusations were leveled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello during her address to her constituents. The event, occurring amid state-imposed restrictions on all political rallies and public gatherings, ostensibly to prevent violence and maintain public order, and another restriction placed on political convoys, effectively limiting politicians’ ability to travel within the state in groups; raises critical questions about political suppression, security concerns, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
Despite these constraints, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeded with her homecoming event during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, urging her supporters to stand firm. In a move to beat the ban on convoy, she flew into her country home in helicopter. Her defiance of the imposed bans was interpreted by many as an assertion of her democratic rights, while others saw it as a challenge to the authority of the state government.
During her homecoming address, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan shocked her audience with allegations that powerful political figures were orchestrating a plot to have her killed. She named Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Governor Yahaya Bello as the masterminds behind this alleged scheme.
These allegations, if substantiated, represent serious violations of both Nigerian and international laws regarding political violence and human rights. Political assassinations and intimidation tactics have long been issues of concern in Nigeria, and Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims bring these concerns to the forefront once again.
The political climate in Kogi State has been marked by a history of tension between opposition figures and the ruling party. The restriction of movement, bans on rallies, and the imposition of curfews before Akpoti-Uduaghan’s visit reflect a broader strategy often employed by incumbent administrations to suppress opposition voices.
Kogi State, under both Yahaya Bello and his successor Usman Ododo, has seen a pattern of actions that many perceive as aimed at stifling dissent. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, a strong opposition figure, has been at the receiving end of such tactics in the past. During her campaign for the Senate, she faced numerous obstacles, including alleged electoral violence and intimidation. Her latest allegations suggest that these challenges have escalated beyond political maneuvering into threats against her life.
The senator’s public accusations carry significant legal weight, both for herself and for those she has accused. Under Nigerian law, allegations of an assassination plot could lead to a formal investigation by law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS).
If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan provides concrete evidence to support her claims, the accused individuals could face criminal investigations and charges such as conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, and political intimidation could be filed against them.
On the other hand, if the accused individuals believe that her statements are false and have damaged their reputations, they may file defamation lawsuits against her. In Nigeria, defamation is a serious legal matter, and if proven, it could lead to both financial penalties and legal consequences for Akpoti-Uduaghan.
However, in what seems to be a high level of confidence, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan dared the Senate President to sue her over her claims. She appeared on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ with Seun Okinbaloye on April 3, 2025, to discuss recent political developments and controversies involving her. In one of her response, she asserted that “Let us get to that bridge. Am hearing that the Senate President wants to sue me for that, I will tell him to go ahead. We will meet and we will cross that bridge.”
The senator’s allegations have sparked widespread reactions from various quarters. Some of her supporters have taken to social media and public forums to demand justice and an independent investigation into her claims. Human rights organizations and opposition figures have also called on security agencies to take her allegations seriously.
Conversely, the accused individuals have denied any involvement in an assassination plot. Akpabio’s camp has dismissed the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” while the Kogi State Government has accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of trying to incite unrest in the state.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s homecoming and subsequent allegations have placed Nigeria’s democratic institutions under scrutiny. Her accusations, if proven, could expose a dangerous precedent of political suppression through violence. Conversely, if they are deemed unfounded, they could raise concerns about the misuse of serious allegations for political advantage.
The unfolding situation is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to justice, human rights, and political accountability. If the allegations are swept under the carpet without a thorough investigation, it could send a message that political figures can act with impunity. However, a transparent and fair probe into the matter could reinforce public trust in the country’s legal and political systems.
As events continue to develop, all eyes will be on the Nigerian government and its response to these serious claims. Will Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan receive the protection she needs? Will her allegations be properly investigated? Or will this be yet another case of political controversy fading into obscurity? Only time will tell.
