The senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has defended her decision to distribute millions of naira in cash to constituents during an empowerment programme, saying the intervention was based on beneficiaries’ preference for direct financial assistance.

However, the Obi-Kwankwaso Movement has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the exercise, alleging that the cash distribution amounted to vote-buying.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by her media aide, Mike Idoko, the senator said feedback from previous empowerment programmes influenced her decision to provide cash instead of business equipment.

She explained that some beneficiaries who previously received sewing machines sold them to meet other financial needs, including paying rent and expanding their businesses.

“I have given out sewing machines to many, and at the end of the day, I realised they sold them to either boost their businesses or pay rent.

“So I have decided to give cash to those who requested support to start a business or add more stock. Some will get N5m through transfer,” she said.

The controversy followed the circulation of photographs and videos showing bundles of cash being distributed at an event organised to mark the senator’s third anniversary in the 10th National Assembly.

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan noted that entrepreneurs had different business needs, making direct financial assistance more practical for some beneficiaries.

She said the grants were intended to support farmers, tailors, content creators, small-scale manufacturers and other business owners across Kogi Central.

According to reports, beneficiaries received amounts ranging from N100,000 to N5m, depending on their business requirements. Some reportedly received N2m, N3m and N4m, while others were given up to N5m through bank transfers.

OK Movement demands EFCC investigation

The Obi-Kwankwaso Movement condemned the exercise, describing it as an apparent case of open vote-buying and a threat to democratic principles.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the movement’s Director-General, John Ughulu, urged the EFCC to investigate the circumstances surrounding the cash distribution and prosecute anyone found culpable.

The group argued that elected officials should not use financial inducements to influence the electoral choices of citizens.

It described the exercise as a disgrace to the Senate and warned that public office must be treated as a position of responsibility rather than an opportunity to compromise democratic values.

Mr Ughulu also said the movement would mobilise legitimate political resources to campaign against the senator’s return to the National Assembly.

He maintained that Nigeria needed leaders who earned public confidence through competence, integrity and service rather than financial inducements.

The controversy has renewed debate over the use of direct cash distributions in constituency empowerment programmes and whether such interventions should be distinguished from attempts to influence voters.