EFCC Probe: Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Explains Source of Empowerment Funds

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has clarified the source of millions of naira distributed to her constituents during an empowerment programme in Kogi State. The programme, which was part of her anniversary activities in the 10th National Assembly, had raised concerns about possible vote-buying. Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that the funds were sourced from the Federal Government budget, not from her personal arrangement. She made the clarification in a video circulating on social media, addressing the controversy surrounding the cash distribution.

The senator representing Kogi Central said the distribution was part of an empowerment initiative for her constituents and was conducted openly. Approximately 600 people attended the event, where the money was displayed before beneficiaries received their allocations. Akpoti-Uduaghan maintained that the public nature of the exercise demonstrated that the distribution was not carried out secretly. The programme was intended to provide financial assistance to people within her constituency.

Akpoti-Uduaghan disclosed that she had not received any invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the cash distribution. However, she said she was prepared to appear before the commission if contacted to explain how the money was obtained and disbursed. The senator's clarification comes after the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement called on the EFCC to investigate the programme, raising concerns about the circumstances surrounding the distribution of large sums of money.

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement's Director-General, John Ughulu, asked the EFCC to examine the programme and establish whether any financial or electoral offences were committed. The group alleged that the public sharing of millions of naira to constituents could amount to vote-buying, particularly given the political implications of financial distributions by elected officials. Ughulu further indicated that the movement would consider political measures against Akpoti-Uduaghan's return to the National Assembly.

Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned the decision by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement to demand an EFCC investigation instead of encouraging its political representatives to pursue similar empowerment programmes for their constituents. She argued that senators and other elected representatives had opportunities to attract government-supported interventions to their respective constituencies. Rather than criticising her for providing financial assistance, she urged the group to engage its own representatives on delivering similar opportunities.

The senator urged the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement to channel their energy to their senators and tell them to do the same for their constituents. She said, “I don’t know how authentic you are. But if you are, you have your senators in the Senate, and they’re also able to bring these same opportunities to you.” Akpoti-Uduaghan's comments were in response to demands by the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement for the EFCC to investigate the programme.

Under Nigeria’s electoral laws, the circumstances surrounding the distribution of money by political actors can become a matter of concern where there is evidence of an attempt to influence voters or secure electoral support through financial inducements. The EFCC's probe, if carried out, will aim to establish whether any financial or electoral offences were committed during the empowerment programme.

Key points

• The funds were sourced from the Federal Government budget, not from Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's personal arrangement.
• The distribution was part of an empowerment initiative for her constituents and was conducted openly.
• Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is prepared to appear before the EFCC if contacted to explain how the money was obtained and disbursed.