Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has been attacked by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Elders Council in Kogi East, over unacceptable interference in the political affairs of the Igala people.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the elders, in a statement on Monday through the Council’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Dansofo, condemned Natasha’s recent visit to Idah and endorsement of Idris Hussein Kashim (Idrisima) for the Kogi East Senate ticket.
Dansofo slammed the endorsement as an attempt to impose a preferred aspirant, stressing that Natasha is playing a dangerous game of interference that will backfire.
The Elders Council emphasised that the party currently has two formidable aspirants, Idris Hussein Kashim from Idah Federal Constituency and Muhammad ‘Elephant’ Abdullahi from Ankpa Federal Constituency.
According to the Council, 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 rumoured gubernatorial ambitions.
The statement read, “Senator Natasha’s journey to Idah was calculated to ferment crisis within the Igala political system.”
“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.
“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.
“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 Kogi East PDP Elders further demanded an immediate and unreserved apology from Natasha, warning that the Igala people will not tolerate any further meddling in their internal affairs.
The statement added, “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.”