A renewed dispute has erupted between Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement over her decision to distribute cash grants to constituents in Kogi Central, with both sides standing firmly by their positions.
The disagreement centres on an empowerment programme the senator organised, during which beneficiaries reportedly received financial support ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million to support businesses and livelihoods. The programme, held as part of activities marking her third anniversary in the National Assembly, has drawn both praise and criticism.
The OK Movement has continued to press for an investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arguing that publicly distributing large sums of money raises concerns about accountability and electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 elections. The group’s Director-General, John Ughulu, said public officials must be held to high ethical standards and that the circumstances surrounding the exercise deserve scrutiny.
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According to the group, if any evidence suggests that financial gifts were intended to influence political choices, the matter should be examined under relevant electoral laws. The movement has also questioned the timing of the programme and called for greater transparency regarding the source and administration of the funds.
However, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has rejected allegations of wrongdoing and defended the initiative as a legitimate empowerment effort aimed at supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs in her constituency. She stated that the funds were provided through a Federal Government budgetary allocation and that the process was conducted openly.
The senator has also maintained that she is willing to cooperate with any investigation should the EFCC invite her for questioning. She argued that critics should encourage elected representatives across the country to create similar opportunities for their constituents rather than condemn programmes designed to support local businesses.
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Explaining the rationale behind the cash grants, the lawmaker said feedback from previous empowerment initiatives influenced the decision. According to her, some beneficiaries who received equipment such as sewing machines in earlier programmes later sold them to meet other financial needs, prompting a shift towards direct financial assistance.
Supporters of the senator have also entered the debate, describing calls for an investigation as politically motivated. A pro-Natasha group, Kogi Central Progressive Elites, argued that empowerment programmes should not automatically be viewed as criminal acts and warned against turning political disagreements into anti-corruption battles without concrete evidence.
The controversy has sparked wider conversations about the line between constituency empowerment and political influence. While critics insist that public cash distributions deserve careful examination, supporters argue that direct financial interventions can provide immediate relief to struggling entrepreneurs and small-scale business owners.
As the debate continues, attention is now focused on whether any regulatory agency will formally review the programme. For many observers, the dispute reflects broader questions about transparency, public trust and the methods elected officials use to support constituents in a challenging economic climate.
