The Kogi Central Women Development Association (KCWDA) has backed the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and demanded her recall. They criticized her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Akpabio, calling them damaging to female politicians’ credibility and urging her to provide evidence instead of resorting to public accusations.
A call for accountability has emerged from Kogi Central, as the Kogi Central Women Development Association (KCWDA) has called for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The women’s group expressed strong disapproval of the senator’s recent actions, particularly regarding her public allegations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which resulted in her suspension from the Senate.
At a press conference held in Lokoja on Thursday, Christy Omale, the spokesperson for the KCWDA, voiced her concerns, stressing that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s behavior was detrimental to the image of female politicians in Kogi Central. The association strongly supported the Senate's decision to suspend the senator for six months due to her alleged misconduct and disruptive actions.
"Her actions have gone beyond the bounds of acceptable conduct," Omale stated. "When she chose to publicly accuse Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment without providing any concrete evidence, she not only undermined her own credibility but also harmed the reputation of women politicians striving for respect in the political sphere."
Omale was particularly critical of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s decision to air her grievances in international media rather than following the Senate's internal procedures or using legal channels to address the matter. “Why take this issue to the world stage when there are avenues within Nigeria that could have addressed her claims in a fair and respectful manner?” she asked.
The KCWDA emphasized that while they did not dispute the seriousness of the sexual harassment allegations, they felt the senator’s response was damaging to her public office and to the efforts of women in politics. "We support women who speak out, but accusations must be supported by evidence, and actions must be taken within the proper legal framework," Omale added.
Omale also expressed disappointment in Akpoti-Uduaghan's refusal to apologize or engage with the Senate’s guidelines, which further fueled the group's calls for her recall. “Her conduct has deprived the people of Kogi Central of effective representation for the next six months,” Omale said. “The women of Kogi Central cannot stand idly by while this continues.”
The KCWDA’s call for action is part of a larger movement to hold politicians accountable, especially those who occupy public offices meant to serve their communities with integrity. "This is not just about one senator’s actions," Omale stated. "It’s about protecting the dignity of the women in our region, and ensuring that those who represent us do so with responsibility and respect."
As the group plans to mobilize supporters across Kogi Central, their demand for Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recall is expected to gather significant momentum. While Akpoti-Uduaghan has remained defiant, the growing sentiment within her home state suggests that her political future may now be uncertain.
