In the aftermath of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, the role of key political figures and the strategies they employed have become a topic of intense discussion across Kogi State and beyond. Speaking on the recently aired MIC On Podcast, Chief Edward David Onoja (popularly known as CEDO) — the former deputy governor of Kogi State — openly reflected on some of the most controversial events of the election cycle. Specifically, he addressed the widely debated incident involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the actions taken to bar her from voting, a move he now classifies as a significant political blunder.
The Controversy: Preventing a Candidate from Voting
On the day scheduled for Nigeria’s National Assembly elections in 2023, the political atmosphere in Kogi State was already tense. Reports showed that heavy machinery—government-owned caterpillars, to be precise—were moved to Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s residence in Kogi Central. These machines were used to create deep trenches around her property, effectively preventing her from reaching her designated polling station.
According to NOWAHALAZONE, this act quickly became one of the defining stories of the Kogi Central elections, stirring local and national outrage. For many voters in Kogi and observers across West Africa, the action appeared as an overt political tactic aimed at suppressing opposition voices at a critical democratic moment.
Edward Onoja’s Perspective: ‘An Unstrategic Move’
During the podcast, Chief Onoja did not mince words regarding his opinion of the machinery deployment. “Yet again, you go back to Kogi Central. People are in charge of that region. But that is not politics to me; that is even making her popular, more loved. Unfortunately, that is not a strategy that would work. Rather, it will only build sympathy for the person you are doing it to, and the result showed. That was unstrategic,” he explained.
Onoja’s view aligns with political analysts’ observations in the region: rather than diminishing Mrs. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s influence, the obstruction galvanized support for her cause among Kogi Central residents. Many voters interpreted the action as an attempt to silence a rising political force, which, in turn, drew sympathy and heightened her profile in the public eye.
Denial of Involvement in Electoral Violence
Addressing the broader perception of violence and coercive politics during the administration he served under, Chief Onoja was keen to distance himself from such practices. He emphasized that his own brand of leadership was built on communication and trust rather than intimidation.
“We were not brutal, using logic and convincing ability to tell people why they should go your way. On Election Day, they will go your way because they believe and trust in you. In Olamaboro, where I come from, where I supervised, it was excellent, no violence,” Onoja stated, highlighting his efforts in his constituency and stressing that peaceful campaigning was at the core of his approach.
Did Onoja Attempt to Prevent the Incident?
One critical question that remains on the minds of many is whether Onoja tried to dissuade the then-governor, Yahaya Bello, from adopting such hardline tactics against Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. When pressed, Onoja explained that he was unaware of the plan to block her from voting. “If I was aware, I would not have sanctioned it,” he noted, suggesting a degree of separation from the controversial decision-making process.
External Scrutiny: US Concerns and Onoja’s Record
International observers, including officials from the United States, have previously flagged irregularities in Kogi’s electoral processes. However, Onoja insists his name was never tied to such allegations. “My name is not there, my name can never be there. My strategy was ‘hi and convince people to bring them on board to vote for you.’ And then, when you leave that place, somebody else’s strategy will be ‘we have been mandated to get the numbers, and we will only get the numbers by this method.’ In my own area, never by that method,” he stressed.
The former deputy governor underlined the difference between his own campaign style and those seen in other districts, presenting himself as a politician guided by persuasion.
Political Fallout and Local Sentiments
The incident has continued to resonate in local discourse. Many citizens of Kogi and political experts see the episode as reflective of wider challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy—where power struggles sometimes spill over into actions that undermine free and fair competition.
- Public Sympathy: Actions perceived as undermining electoral rights tend to backfire, generating local and national support for affected individuals.
- Question of Strategy: Analysts in Lokoja and Abuja have weighed in, suggesting that such moves wield short-term disruption but long-term reputational harm for those responsible.
- Broader Questions: The event has reignited debates on the need for credible, inclusive elections—not just in Kogi, but across Nigeria and the West African subregion.
What Does This Mean For Future Elections?
The Kogi episode serves as a stark reminder that actions taken to suppress political opponents can yield opposite results, particularly in West Africa’s increasingly engaged electorate.
As Nigeria continues to advocate for robust democratic processes, this case underscores the necessity for transparency, accountability, and respect for opposing voices. It also emphasizes the ever-present need for public officials to operate above board, as communities are becoming more vigilant and less tolerant of anti-democratic maneuvers.
Expert Opinions and Next Steps
- According to Abuja-based governance analyst, Temitope Aina, “Incidents like this only serve to strengthen the resolve of opposition figures. In the digital era, these stories travel fast and can shape impending elections.”
- Legal expert Barrister Ganiyu Lawal notes that such prevention of voting rights constitutes a significant breach of the Electoral Act, making it possible for affected candidates to pursue redress in court.
- Community voices in Okene and Kabba stressed that more civic education and observer presence are critical in ensuring safer, more inclusive elections in the future.
Ultimately, as Kogi prepares for future electoral contests, the lessons from 2023 stand as a warning and guidepost for all political actors—demonstrating that in the eyes of the people, the methods matter as much as the results.
How do you think such incidents affect trust in Nigeria’s political process? Have you witnessed or heard of similar election dramas in your state or region? Drop your thoughts below and let’s start a conversation about building democratic trust and accountability across West Africa.
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