A political group in Kogi State, the Kogi Central Progressive Elites, has cautioned the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement against involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in partisan politics following its demand for an investigation into Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s cash empowerment programme.
The group described the movement’s call as a politically motivated attempt to undermine the senator ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that allegations of wrongdoing should be handled through established legal procedures rather than public accusations.
The group’s president, Abdullahi Omeiza, made the position known in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
Omeiza expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency among political actors to use anti-corruption institutions and allegations of misconduct as tools in political disputes.
‘Accountability Must Be Based on Evidence’
The group stressed that accountability remained important in public office but argued that investigations should be guided by credible evidence and due process.
“Accountability is important, but it must be pursued through facts, evidence and established legal procedures, not through sensational political narratives designed to damage the reputation of an elected public official,” Omeiza said.
He urged the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement to submit any evidence it might possess to the appropriate authorities instead of relying on public declarations that could create the impression of guilt before an investigation had taken place.
The group also warned against attempts to place political pressure on the EFCC, saying the commission should be allowed to carry out its statutory responsibilities independently.
According to Omeiza, the credibility of anti-corruption institutions depends on their ability to investigate allegations without political interference or prejudgement.
Controversy Over Natasha’s Cash Empowerment Programme
The dispute followed the circulation of pictures and videos showing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan distributing cash to constituents during an empowerment programme marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.
The senator, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, defended the initiative, explaining that the financial assistance was based on feedback from beneficiaries who preferred cash grants to items such as sewing machines.
She said some recipients had previously sold empowerment equipment to meet other pressing needs, including rent and business expenses, prompting her to adopt direct financial assistance as an alternative.
Beneficiaries reportedly received amounts ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦5 million, depending on their business needs.
The senator said the grants were intended to support farmers, tailors, content creators, small-scale manufacturers and other entrepreneurs seeking to establish or expand their businesses.
Obi-Kwankwaso Movement Calls for Investigation
The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement had called on the EFCC to investigate the programme over allegations of possible vote-buying.
Its Director-General, John Ughulu, argued that the public distribution of substantial amounts of money to constituents raised questions about the propriety of the exercise.
The movement urged the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the programme and prosecute anyone found culpable if evidence of wrongdoing emerged.
It also threatened to mobilise political resources to campaign against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate.
However, the allegations remain unproven, and a demand for an investigation does not by itself establish that an offence was committed.
Group Warns Against Politicising Anti-Graft Agencies
The Kogi Central Progressive Elites maintained that the EFCC should not be drawn into political disputes or pressured into acting on allegations before the relevant facts have been established.
The group said political organisations should allow institutions responsible for enforcing the law to operate according to their mandates.
The controversy has added another dimension to the political debate surrounding Akpoti-Uduaghan and the preparations for the 2027 elections.
While the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement is demanding scrutiny of the cash distribution, the Kogi group insists that any investigation must be evidence-based and free from political influence.
The EFCC’s independent assessment of any credible evidence, rather than competing political claims, would be necessary to determine whether the empowerment programme breached any law.
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