How Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Defeated Akpabio, Ododo, and Yahaya Bello
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Last month, the uproar over sexual harassment allegations that erupted on the Senate floor signaled forthcoming trouble. Senator Akpabio, the Senate leader, failed to recognize that he was dealing with a fire that could not be extinguished with mere brute force and intimidation. A genuine resolution demanded a different way of doing things.
Regrettably, Akpabio succumbed to the temptation of traditional tactics, relying on displays of power, influence, money, and connections. He unleashed these outdated strategies with the expectation of sidelining Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Initially, it appeared his efforts were effective; he enlisted his loyal followers in the Senate to attack, smear, discredit, and even physically intimidate Senator Uduaghan. As if this weren’t enough, he mobilized external support from opportunistic influencers and organized rallies to bolster his image, collecting various staged accolades and awards along the way.
Akpabio’s pivotal maneuver against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan involved colluding with Yahaya Bello and Governor Ododo to initiate a recall effort after she had been unlawfully suspended from the Senate and deprived of her security detail. However, this attempt at a recall ultimately became their downfall. Their failures became evident when they could not prevent her from holding a rally in her constituency. Despite their efforts to block the roads, she emerged from the clouds and landed in the midst of her enthusiastic supporters. This moment marked a significant transformation for Natasha; she evolved into a symbol of resistance, showcasing both power and intelligence. She resembled Nigeria’s own Benazir Bhutto—iconic and poised.
With the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declaring the recall attempt a failure, Akpabio’s campaign suffered a crushing setback. He now faces a choice: retreat completely or risk vanishing into obscurity. The voting records from the recall process are compelling; despite their considerable advantages, Akpabio, Ododo, and Yahaya were unable to manipulate the recall effectively. One must wonder how these powerful figures will cope with the shame and disgrace that now surrounds them.
By Emeka Ugwuonye.
