The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over the distribution of millions of naira to constituents during an empowerment programme in Kogi State.
The group alleged that the cash distribution amounted to vote-buying and urged the anti-graft agency to investigate the circumstances surrounding the exercise and prosecute anyone found culpable.
The Director-General of the OK Movement, John Ughulu, made the demand in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday.
Ughulu condemned the programme, describing it as an attempt to influence the electoral choices of citizens through financial inducements.
He said the action raised concerns about the responsibilities of elected officials and the need to uphold democratic principles.
The group also threatened to mobilise its political structures against Akpoti-Uduaghan’s return to the Senate, insisting that public office should not be used to compromise the choices of voters.
“The OK Movement strongly condemns the reported cash empowerment exercise by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. The action is an apparent case of open vote-buying and a serious affront to democratic principles,” the statement read.
The movement further urged the EFCC to establish whether any electoral or financial offences were committed during the programme.
“We call on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding this exercise and, where evidence of wrongdoing is established, prosecute those responsible in accordance with the law,” it added.
The group maintained that political leaders should prioritise accountability and programmes that improve the living conditions of citizens rather than rely on financial inducements.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, had distributed cash grants to small business owners as part of activities marking her third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.
The programme, held on November 2, attracted public attention after videos and photographs showing bundles of cash at the event circulated on social media.
However, the senator defended the decision, explaining that some beneficiaries preferred direct financial assistance to business equipment because of their immediate business needs.
Her media aide, Mike Idoko, said the lawmaker’s previous empowerment exercises showed that some beneficiaries sold equipment such as sewing machines to raise money for business expansion and other expenses.
