‘Nobody can stop me’: Natasha defies curfew, holds rally in Kogi

The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, defied security restrictions against her homecoming rally in the state.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who arrived in an helicopter, was received by a jubilant crowd at her hometown in Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The Chairman of Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State, Amoka Monday, had earlier imposed a curfew across the council area, ahead of the senator’s homecoming rally.

The Kogi State Police Command also asked the lawmaker to cancel the rally, citing security threats and ban on all forms of rallies and processions by the state government.

Addressing her supporters in Ebira language on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan said: “Nobody and nothing can stop me from coming home. I’m an Ebira person; this is my land.

“I’m the daughter of the late Jimoh Abdul Akpoti. I know my roots; I’m not a bastard, and I’m not afraid of anybody.”

Kogi LG chairman declares curfew ahead of Natasha’s homecoming rally

Before her return, Akpoti-Uduaghan alleged that any violence during the rally should be blamed on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, and the immediate past governor of the state, Yahaya Bello.

The lawmaker wrote on Facebook: “My dear people of Kogi Central, I look forward to our peaceful Sallah celebrations today.

“However, should we be met with or infiltrated by violence, Nigerians should hold Gov Ododo, Yahaya Bello & SP Godswill Akpabio wholly responsible.”

The embattled senator was expected to pay a Sallah visit to the her constituency, where she planned to organise a rally against her ongoing recall process.

The visit was aimed at engaging with her community and constituents as well as fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation for the growth and development of the district.

The Star