By Ayomide Otitoju
Former Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has filed a petition with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), demanding the investigation and prosecution of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan over alleged criminal defamation and incitement.
In the petition signed by his solicitor, N.A. Abubakar, and submitted on Wednesday, Bello requested that the Nigeria Police invite the suspended senator representing Kogi Central to present evidence supporting her public accusations against him. He urged that if she fails to do so, she should be prosecuted under relevant provisions of Nigerian law.
Bello’s petition was prompted by statements made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan at a political event in Okehi, Kogi State, on April 1, 2025. During the rally, she alleged that Bello was involved in a plot to recall her and allegedly conspiring to assassinate her—claims Bello’s legal team described as “malicious, false, and inciting.”
“These utterances constitute serious criminal defamation, false accusation, and incitement to public disorder,” the petition read.
Bello has also served a separate legal notice to the senator through his legal counsel, Chief R.O. Balogun (SAN), demanding a public retraction and apology in two national newspapers within 14 days or face legal action.
He further accused Akpoti-Uduaghan of exploiting her political platform to propagate misinformation and incite division, warning that failure to address such misconduct could pose a threat to public peace and democratic stability
Ibadan, Nigeria – Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders from the state to Ibadan for the Southwest Zonal Congress of the party.
The congress, convened to elect a new zonal executive committee, was chaired by former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, and held under a peaceful and cordial atmosphere.
Hon. Kamorudeen Ajisafe of Osun State was re-elected unopposed as the Zonal Chairman of the PDP in the Southwest. In his acceptance speech, he expressed appreciation to Governors of Osun and Oyo States for their support and pledged to work closely with stakeholders to strengthen the party in the region.
Other Osun PDP members elected into the zonal committee include Comrade Seyi Bamidele (Zonal Youth Leader), Hon. Adeyela Yahaya Adeleke (Financial Secretary), Hon. Sikiru Araoye (Zonal Ex-Officio), and Hon. Paul Olakunle (National Ex-Officio).
The event drew prominent party figures across the Southwest, including Osun Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Senator Kamorudeen Oyewumi, Hon. Luqman Mudasiru, Osun State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, National Publicity Secretary Chief Debo Ologunagba, Chief Olabode George, and Chief Ladi Adebutu, among others.
