Kogi Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: “I Am Yahaya Bello’s Political Nightmare”

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has escalated the long-running political rivalry in Kogi State, unequivocally stating that she poses the greatest threat to the political future of former Governor Yahaya Bello. In a candid interview, the Senator declared her complete lack of fear toward the former state executive, positioning herself as a formidable challenger ready for any future electoral confrontation. Her remarks underscore the highly charged and intensely personal nature of the political landscape in Kogi, where the Senator and the former Governor have been central figures in several high-stakes legal and electoral battles.

Appearing on the “Mic On Podcast” over the weekend, Akpoti-Uduaghan minced no words when discussing her political relationship with Bello. When questioned about the possibility of facing the former Governor in an election, the Senator adopted a defiant posture, framing herself not as a cautious opponent, but as a confident adversary. “If by any choice I make up my mind and I’m on the ballot and ex-Governor Yahaya Bello is on the ballot, then I would say bring it on, scared of who? He’s not my nightmare, rather I’m his political nightmare,” she asserted. This declaration is a significant political statement, suggesting that the dynamics of their feud have shifted, and that the Senator now views her political trajectory as being defined by her ability to challenge and potentially supersede Bello’s influence in the state. Her political rise, which culminated in a hard-fought Senate seat victory, has been viewed by many as a direct challenge to the established power structure of the former administration.

The Senator’s successful bid for the Kogi Central senatorial seat was a landmark moment, having previously faced numerous legal and electoral hurdles. Her eventual victory, cemented by the judiciary, was widely seen as a major upset against the political machinery previously controlled by the former Governor’s camp. By referring to herself as his “political nightmare,” Akpoti-Uduaghan is drawing on this history of resilience and her proven ability to mobilize support and navigate complex political battles to ultimately emerge victorious. Her comments suggest that she sees any future political contest with Bello not as a threat to her ambition, but as an opportunity to further consolidate her standing as the most prominent opposition figure in the state.

Beyond her rivalry with the former Governor, the Senator also addressed a separate, but related, political controversy concerning the fate of some of her planned projects for her constituency. During the interview, she touched upon claims that certain community-focused initiatives were allegedly removed from the budget. While the initial question implied the involvement of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s response was notably vague in attribution, yet firm in its assertion of the outcome. “I said someone removed my projects,” she stated, confirming the existence of the issue without directly naming the individual or office responsible. This subtle confirmation hints at internal political struggles within the National Assembly or the budgetary process, suggesting that the Senator’s challenges are not limited to state politics but extend to the federal level, where legislative influence determines resource allocation for her constituents.

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s political career has been characterized by tenacity and a willingness to confront powerful political figures head-on. Her public declaration against Yahaya Bello is consistent with her established political brand—a fearless, vocal critic determined to challenge the status quo. Her focus now appears to be twofold: establishing her legislative effectiveness despite the political maneuvering she faces, and maintaining her political readiness for any upcoming electoral contest, cementing her image as the primary political opposition force in Kogi State, a force she confidently believes keeps the former Governor awake at night.