By Ohida Abdulfatah, Esq
Kogi Central, one of Nigeria’s most resource-endowed and culturally rich senatorial districts in the Confluence State, is home to a resilient and forward-looking people. Yet, for many years, its immense potential has been constrained by cycles of unfulfilled promises, alleged mismanagement, and leadership repeatedly overshadowed by protracted legal battles. As the district looks toward the future—particularly amid growing conversations around the 2027 contest—voters are confronted with a defining choice: to cling to figures burdened by allegations of corruption or to embrace a representative who exemplifies transparency, grassroots development, and tangible progress.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan stands as a beacon of this new possibility. Elected in 2023 as Kogi State’s first female senator after a hard-fought court victory that reclaimed a mandate initially manipulated, she has since dedicated her tenure to delivering on promises that eluded her predecessors. In just two years, she has commissioned landmark projects across the district: reconstructed police stations to enhance security, digitised education initiatives, healthcare facilities including planned maternity centres, and large-scale empowerment programmes benefiting thousands of constituents.
Her second anniversary celebrations in November 2025 were marked not by fanfare alone but by the inauguration of infrastructure and the provision of direct support that empowered artisans, women, and youths—efforts described by visitors, including fellow senators, as “massive and inspiring.” Even personal gestures, such as gifting a duplex to a diligent aide, reflect a leadership ethos rooted in gratitude and community upliftment.
This is representation that touches lives directly, unburdened by the weight of scandal.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s advocacy extends beyond constituency projects; her long-standing push for the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex reflects a vision for economic renewal in Ebiraland, informed by her background in law, resource management, and social entrepreneurship. Awards such as Politician of the Year (2023) and This Day Senator of the Year (2025) underscore her impact earned through resilience in the face of intimidation and an unwavering commitment to inclusive development.
By contrast, figures such as former Governor Yahaya Bello are increasingly defined not by achievements but by the long shadow of corruption allegations. As of late 2025, Bello faces multiple ongoing trials by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged money laundering and misappropriation reportedly exceeding ₦80 billion—and in some charges, up to ₦110 billion—from Kogi State’s coffers during his 2016–2024 tenure. Properties linked to him, including a luxury apartment in Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, have been subject to forfeiture orders reinstated by appellate courts. Court proceedings have featured testimony on suspicious transactions, with the cases continuing into 2026 following arraignment, remand, and the granting of bail amid pleas of not guilty. These allegations paint a troubling picture of leadership pursued by national authorities, where accountability and conscience appear perpetually at odds.
What does it mean for Kogi Central to be represented by someone entangled in such prolonged legal turmoil? Progress demands focus—on roads, schools, jobs, healthcare, and security—not on courtroom defences and asset seizures. A senator distracted by personal battles cannot fully advocate for the district’s needs in Abuja. Worse still, it risks normalising a culture in which public trust is eroded and resources meant for development disappear into private vaults. The people of Kogi Central deserve better than representation haunted by the past; they deserve leadership committed to building the future.
This moment is not merely about individuals but about the soul of leadership. Does Kogi Central want continuity with an era marred by allegations that drained public resources, or a fresh chapter of accountable, people-centred governance? Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has demonstrated that change is possible—that a leader can fight for justice, deliver results, and inspire hope without the baggage of corruption probes.
As 2027 approaches, the choice is both clear and profound: to stand with proven integrity and delivery, or to risk a return to unresolved shadows. Kogi Central has endured enough. It is time to rise with a leader who lifts the people up, unencumbered and unwavering.
The future beckons. Will we seize it?
– Ohida Abdulfatah, Esq
