Get Guardian on GoogleThe Kogi Central Progressive Elites have condemned a petition by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement asking the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over her recent cash empowerment programme.
They alleged that the move was politically motivated.
The group, through its President, Abdullahi Omeiza, in a statement on Thursday, described the call for an investigation as an attempt to use anti-corruption rhetoric to undermine the senator’s political influence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It, however, maintained that while public officeholders should be held accountable, allegations against them must be supported by credible evidence and subjected to established legal procedures.
Omeiza faulted attempts to portray the senator’s third-anniversary empowerment programme as electoral malpractice, arguing that the distribution of financial assistance to constituents did not automatically amount to vote-buying.
He said the legality of such interventions should be determined by examining their objectives, circumstances, beneficiaries and compliance with relevant electoral laws.
“We are concerned about the growing tendency among some political actors to deploy anti-corruption institutions and rhetoric as instruments of partisan warfare.
“Accountability is important, but it must be pursued through facts, evidence and established legal procedures, not through sensational political narratives designed to damage the reputation of an elected public official,” he said.
The group urged those alleging wrongdoing to present credible evidence to the appropriate authorities rather than rely on public declarations and what it described as inflammatory political narratives.
On the demand for an EFCC investigation and possible prosecution, Omeiza said no public official should be above the law, but cautioned against turning anti-corruption institutions into instruments of political intimidation.
“Allegations are not convictions, petitions are not proof of wrongdoing, and public accusations cannot substitute for due process.
“The EFCC must be allowed to discharge its statutory responsibilities independently, without being subjected to political pressure or media-driven prejudgement,” he said.
The group argued that the people of Kogi Central remained in the best position to assess Akpoti-Uduaghan’s performance, legislative contributions, accessibility and constituency interventions.
It said political organisations had the right to oppose any candidate but could not dictate the political choices of voters in the senatorial district.
Reacting to the reported declaration by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement that it would deploy political resources to oppose the senator’s return to the National Assembly, the group described the position as an expression of political opposition rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
Omeiza said the 2027 general elections would provide constituents another opportunity to assess the senator’s record and decide whether she deserved another mandate.
“In a democracy, every political organisation is entitled to its political preferences and is free to canvass support for its preferred candidates.
“However, nobody has the authority to substitute political threats or media campaigns for the sovereign decision of the electorate. If anyone believes Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan does not deserve another mandate, the appropriate response is to present a better alternative and allow the people to decide at the polls,” he said.
The group further urged political stakeholders to focus on development, accountability and measurable results rather than what it described as personality-driven attacks.
It also called on the senator’s supporters and constituents to remain peaceful and avoid allowing political disagreements to divide the people of Kogi Central.
Omeiza reaffirmed the group’s support for democratic accountability and responsible political participation, insisting that the senator’s political future should be determined by her constituents through the ballot box.
“The people have a voice, the people have a choice, and the people reserve the ultimate democratic mandate,” he added.
