The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Elders Council in Kogi East has launched a scathing attack on the Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning her to cease her “unwarranted interference” in the political affairs of the Igala people.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Council’s spokesperson, Alhaji Ibrahim Dansofo, the elders condemned the Senator’s recent visit to Idah, where she reportedly endorsed Idris Hussein Kashim (Idrisima) for the Kogi East Senate ticket.
The group described the move as a “reckless subversion” of party internal democracy and a direct insult to the leadership of Kogi East.
Alhaji Dansofo slammed the endorsement as an attempt to export “political imposition,” which he claimed has become the hallmark of Ebira politicians, into the Igala political space.
“Senator Natasha’s journey to Idah was calculated to ferment crisis within the Igala political system,” the statement read.
“We want to make it categorically clear: Kogi Central cannot decide for Kogi East. It is an insult of the highest order for a Senator from another district to bypass our elders and attempt to crown a candidate in our domain.”
The Elders Council emphasized that the party currently has two formidable aspirants, Idris Hussein Kashim from Idah Federal Constituency and Alhaji Muhammad ‘Elephant’ Abdullahi from Ankpa Federal Constituency.
The council noted that a leadership meeting was already being planned to bring both aspirants to a round table to discuss a consensus candidate for the sake of party unity.
“By taking sides and endorsing Idrisima, Natasha has shown utter disrespect for the process and for Alhaji Muhammad Elephant Abdullahi, who is a vital pillar of this party. Her conduct is unacceptable and a gross violation of political etiquette,” Dansofo added.
The elders further alleged that Senator Natasha’s actions are not born out of a love for the PDP, but rather a desperate attempt to build a base for her rumored gubernatorial ambitions.
“We are well aware that this is not about the Senate ticket. Her desperation to plant stooges across the state to further her gubernatorial ambition is transparent. She is playing a dangerous game of interference that will only backfire,” the statement warned.
The Kogi East PDP Elders have demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, warning that the Igala people will not tolerate any further “meddling” in their internal affairs.
“As a woman and a representative of another district, her actions are considered a slap in the face of Kogi East elders. We advise her to focus on the people of Kogi Central who elected her and leave Kogi East to manage its own affairs.”
The Council concluded by calling on all party members in the East to remain calm and committed, assuring them that the elders will ensure the right democratic process is followed to produce a candidate who truly represents the interests of the Igala people.