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Senator Natasha named 2023 Politician of the Year

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By Abdulateef Bamgbose

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district has emerged the “Politician of the Year’ in the 2023 Leadership Excellence Awards.

This follows her resilience, acumen and tenacity, which eventually saw her taking a seat in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly as senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in the face of stiff opposition in today’s intricate tapestry of Nigerian politics where only a few women are allowed to shine brightly.

The newspaper, in a published article titled: “LEADERSHIP Awards: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Is Politician Of The Year 2023”, described Natasha as a “proven amazon in political circles”, adding that 44-year-old personifies the adage that fortune favours the brave.

“She (Natasha) became the first female senator from Kogi State after an extraordinary display of political grit. Indeed, Natasha’s political journey encapsulates not just the generic challenge women in politics face but a unique ordeal that tested her political temperament and fortitude.

“Her triumph after a harrowing election and rigorous legal process also helped to increase the number of female senators in the National Assembly, in a widely ascribed tough political dispensation for women.

“She entered the political scene in 2019 when she contested to represent Kogi Central Senatorial District under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Although she lost to the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Sadiku Ohere, she later contested the governorship position against the incumbent governor, Yahaya Bello, that same year. Despite losing the governorship poll, she remained unshaken.

“By the 2023 electioneering season, Akpoti-Uduaghan joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). A lawyer with a Master of Business Administration degree in Oil & Gas Management from the University of Dundee, she returned to the race for the office of senator representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate.

“Armed with a rare display of unwavering support from her constituents, she secured the PDP ticket at the primaries for the senatorial election, setting the stage for a remarkable political comeback. Her opponent, Abubakar Ohere of the APC, posed a formidable challenge, but Natasha’s vision and determination to serve the people propelled her forward.

“In the build-up to the senatorial elections in February 2023, Akpoti- Uduaghan faced unprecedented challenges. Allegations surfaced that the Kogi State government had taken drastic measures to impede the transportation of electoral materials to her senatorial district. It was claimed that portions of the road were excavated to prevent access, raising concerns about the fairness and integrity of the electoral process.

“Undeterred by these alleged obstacles, Akpoti-Uduaghan went on to contest the senatorial seat under the PDP, engaging in a fierce electoral battle against Sadiku-Ohere of the APC. The results were a testament to the tight race, with Akpoti-Uduaghan securing 52,132 votes against her opponent’s 51,763 votes. In spite of the slim margin of 369 votes, she faced defeat in the initial outcome.

“However, her tenacity and commitment to justice became the driving force behind her subsequent legal pursuits. On September 6, 2023, the election tribunal declared her winner of the senatorial poll, nullifying her opponent’s victory.

“The Court of Appeal in Abuja, on October 31, 2023, further affirmed her legitimacy as the winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election. Not only did Akpoti-Uduaghan emerge victorious, her opponent’s petition was dismissed by the court, highlighting the trivialities in the allegations against her.

“The second of four children and the only daughter of a Nigerian father, Dr Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, and a Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenk, Natasha was raised in Ihima, Okehi local government area of Kogi State. Her early years were shaped by the rich cultural diversity of her heritage.

“Although she lost her father in 1998, leading to the family’s relocation, the young amazon, after acquiring education both at home and abroad, has been on a political journey, and she is determined to make a lasting impact.

“In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigerian politics, Akpoti-Uduaghan stands out as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience. Her journey from being a determined political aspirant facing challenges in the bid to become the rightful winner of the Kogi Central senatorial election reflects not only her personal triumph but also the triumph of justice and the will of the people.

“Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legacy extends beyond the political realm. She has become an inspiration to aspiring leaders, especially women, showcasing the power of determination, courage and unwavering commitment to one’s convictions.

“In the annals of Nigerian political history, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s name will be etched as a trailblazer who changed the narrative and left an indelible mark in the hearts of those she served,” the Leadership wrote.

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KAWU HAILS TINUBU’S LANDSLIDE APC PRIMARY VICTORY, DESCRIBES IT AS “A TRIUMPH OF DEMOCRACY ”

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Rt. Hon. Comrade Hafiz Kawu, OON, mni, Executive Commissioner (Technical) of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), has congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his overwhelming victory at the 2026 All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primary Election, describing the outcome as a clear endorsement of the President’s leadership and reform-driven administration.
Kawu, a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Tarauni Federal Constituency of Kano State, said the President’s victory was not only historic but also a reflection of the growing confidence Nigerians have in the Renewed Hope agenda.
President Tinubu secured a massive victory in the nationwide direct primary election conducted across the country’s 8,809 wards, polling over 10 million votes to defeat his challenger, Mr. Stanley Osifo.
Reacting to the result, Kawu said the election demonstrated the strength of Nigeria’s democratic process and the willingness of Nigerians to stand behind a leader they believe is committed to national progress.
According to him, the President’s decision to participate in an open and transparent direct primary election despite being the incumbent leader showed rare courage, humility, and democratic conviction.
He noted that President Tinubu could easily have relied on the influence of incumbency but instead chose to subject himself to the will of party members and ordinary Nigerians through a grassroots voting process.
Kawu praised the President for championing reforms that strengthened internal party democracy, saying the direct primary system gave millions of Nigerians a sense of participation and ownership in the political process.
The PenCom Commissioner further commended the Tinubu administration for implementing policies and reforms aimed at repositioning the country’s economy, improving infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and enhancing workers’ welfare through measures such as the new national minimum wage.
He stated that many Nigerians were beginning to see the practical impact of the administration’s policies, adding that the outcome of the primary election reflected public appreciation for the President’s efforts.
Kawu also described Tinubu as a leader with a strong vision for national development and unity, stressing that the renewed mandate from party members should serve as further motivation to continue delivering democratic dividends to Nigerians.
He reaffirmed his support and loyalty to the President’s administration and prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and guidance for the President as he continues to steer the affairs of the nation.
Kawu concluded by expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to witness growth, stability, and progress under President Tinubu’s leadership.

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Dogara Commends Tinubu’s Resounding APC Primary Victory

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Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s landslide victory in the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential primary as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Dogara, who served as Bauchi State Coordinator and Collation Officer while also sitting on the national Presidential Primary Election Committee, said the outcome was not just a win for Tinubu but a triumph for grassroots democracy. He congratulated the President on behalf of Bauchi State and in his capacity as a member of the committee, calling the victory extraordinary, historic, and thoroughly deserved.

The final results revealed Tinubu’s overwhelming mandate: 10,999,162 votes across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, compared to just 15,503 for his sole challenger, Stanley Osifo. For Dogara, this margin was more than a statistic; it was a declaration of trust from millions of APC members nationwide. He noted that nearly eleven million Nigerians had risen as one to affirm a leader who had earned their confidence, describing the outcome as a movement rather than just a result.

Dogara commended the election committee, chaired by former SGF Pius Anyim and including respected figures such as Ken Nnamani, Victor Ndoma-Egba, and Idris Wada, for ensuring transparency, credibility, and fairness throughout the process. He said the committee had been given a sacred mandate to guarantee integrity and was proud that it discharged that responsibility faithfully.

He also highlighted Tinubu’s decision to subject himself to direct primaries under the Electoral Act 2026, which abolished delegate voting and empowered millions of party members at the grassroots. Dogara stressed that Tinubu could have relied on the powers of incumbency but instead chose to stand before the people. He described this as humility and character, noting that Tinubu had signed the law, championed the reforms, and then submitted himself to the same process, proving his commitment to democratic principles.

In his closing remarks, Dogara urged Tinubu to carry the weight of the people’s confidence with integrity and purpose. He reminded the President that nearly eleven million Nigerians had entrusted him with their hopes, calling it a responsibility of historic proportions. He charged Tinubu to fulfill that mandate faithfully, declaring that history is watching and that Nigerians are proud.

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APC Reps Primary: Akpanke Wins Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Ticket

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Over the weekend, Hon. Peter A. Akpanke emerged victorious in the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Representatives primary election for the Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency in Cross River State after securing an overwhelming majority of votes cast across the three local government areas.

The primary election, monitored by party officials and stakeholders, recorded a total of 18,921 registered APC members and delegates across Bekwarra, Obudu and Obanliku Local Government Areas.

Official results collation which was made available to journalists showed that 16,564 valid votes were cast during the exercise, with no void votes recorded.

According to the results, Hon. Akpanke polled a total of 14,252 votes to defeat five other aspirants, with
Hon. Theresa Akwaji Ushie scoring 101 votes;
Hon. Martin Orim with 1,572 votes;
Anthonia A. Ally with 104 votes;
Dr. Vincent A. Ushie with 270 votes and
Dr. Godwin A. Agbor with 265 votes.

A breakdown of the constituency wide results showed that Akpanke secured 4,749 votes in Obanliku Local Government Area, 4,886 votes in Obudu Local Government Area, and 4,617 votes in Bekwarra Local Government Area, consolidating respectively.

Following the conclusion of the collation process, APC electoral officials formally declared Hon. Peter A. Akpanke winner of the party’s House of Representatives primary election for the Bekwarra/Obudu/Obanliku Federal Constituency.

The primary election was described by stakeholders, observers and party officials as peaceful, orderly transparent and credible, noting that the outcome reflected the will of party delegates and members across the constituency.

The primary election was conducted under the supervision of APC electoral officials who demonstrated true professionalism, with the official collation documents signed and dated May 16, 2026.

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