By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has defended her distribution of cash grants to constituents in Kogi Central, following allegations of vote-buying by the Obi-Kwankwaso (OK) Movement on Wednesday. The lawmaker said the exercise marked her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly. However, the political group condemned the programme and urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate.
Natasha Explains Cash Empowerment Programme
The senator representing Kogi Central said the financial assistance reflected requests from beneficiaries during previous empowerment exercises.
Pictures and videos of the cash distribution recently circulated on social media. Consequently, the programme attracted criticism and questions about its purpose.
In a statement issued in Abuja, her media aide, Mike Idoko, explained the senator’s position.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said entrepreneurs had different business needs. Therefore, direct financial assistance offered a more practical solution.
She explained that some beneficiaries previously sold donated sewing machines to raise business capital or pay rent.
According to her, cash grants would allow recipients to address their immediate business challenges.
She said the beneficiaries could use the money to expand businesses, replenish stock or purchase essential production materials.
Beneficiaries Receive Grants Up to N5 Million
The senator disclosed that her empowerment programme supported several small businesses across Kogi Central.
Beneficiaries reportedly received grants ranging from N100,000 to N5 million, depending on their business needs.
Some entrepreneurs received N2 million, N3 million and N4 million. Others reportedly received as much as N5 million through bank transfers.
In her third anniversary message, Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to serve.
She described the grants as part of her commitment to supporting local businesses and expanding economic opportunities.
She also identified farmers, tailors, content creators and small-scale manufacturers among the beneficiaries.
The senator said the intervention would help entrepreneurs strengthen their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
OK Movement Accuses Senator of Vote-Buying
However, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement strongly condemned the cash empowerment exercise.
The group described the programme as an apparent case of open vote-buying. It also called the development an affront to democratic principles.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, demanded an urgent EFCC investigation.
Ughulu urged the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cash distribution.
He also called for the prosecution of anyone found guilty of wrongdoing.
The group further described the senator’s conduct as a disgrace to the Nigerian Senate.
According to Ughulu, elected officials must respect citizens’ electoral choices. He insisted that public office carries responsibility, not opportunities for financial inducements.
Movement Threatens Campaign Against Senator’s Return
The OK Movement also threatened to mobilise political resources against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate.
Ughulu said the organisation would not remain silent over practices it considers harmful to democracy.
He maintained that Nigeria needs leaders who demonstrate integrity, accountability and competence.
The movement further insisted that public officials should earn citizens’ confidence through effective service delivery.
Meanwhile, the senator maintains that the cash grants represent genuine economic support for constituents.
The controversy has renewed public debate over political empowerment programmes, electoral integrity and the responsibilities of elected representatives.
