KEY POINTS

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan defied a Kogi State ban on rallies, holding a large homecoming event in Ihima, which she framed as a cultural celebration rather than a political gathering.
• The state government had imposed the ban citing security threats, while the senator accused Governor Ododo and other political figures of targeting her through suspensions and recall efforts.
• The incident highlights escalating political tensions in Kogi, with legal ambiguity over whether the event violated restrictions and no immediate police intervention.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan sparked controversy on Tuesday as she defiantly held a homecoming rally in Ihima, Kogi State, despite an official ban on public gatherings imposed by the state government.

The event, which drew massive crowds, has heightened political tensions in the region, with authorities warning of potential security risks.

As early as 8 a.m., supporters from across Kogi Central Senatorial District flooded Ihima in Okehi Local Government Area to welcome the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker.

Channelstv reports that local musicians entertained the crowd, building anticipation before Akpoti-Uduaghan made a dramatic entrance in a white helicopter, eliciting cheers from her jubilant followers.

Natasha ignored security warnings as political tensions escalate in Kogi State

The rally proceeded despite a last-minute curfew imposed by the Okehi LGA chairman, Amoka Monday, and a police advisory urging the senator to cancel the event. The Kogi State Government had cited intelligence about possible security threats as justification for the ban on public gatherings.

“Yesterday, 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 allowed. I knew that we were the targets,” Akpoti-Uduaghan told the crowd. “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.”

The senator, who has been embroiled in multiple political battles, accused Governor Usman Ododo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and former Governor Yahaya Bello of orchestrating her recent troubles, including a Senate suspension and an ongoing recall effort. “Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira woman; this is my land,” she declared. “I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody.”

Political analysts suggest the event underscores deepening divisions in Kogi politics, with Akpoti-Uduaghan positioning herself as a defiant opposition figure. Legal experts, however, are divided on whether her gathering violated the ban, as the state’s directive broadly targeted political rallies rather than cultural celebrations.

The police have yet to comment on whether they will take action against the senator, but security personnel were notably absent during the event, raising questions about enforcement. Meanwhile, residents remain split—some praising her boldness, others fearing further instability.