The announcement was contained in a statement released in Abuja on Thursday by her Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mike Idoko.

Idoko explained that party members and supporters took part in an affirmation exercise conducted across all 57 wards in the senatorial district.

He noted that the process was held simultaneously in the wards, after which results were collated at Kahal Cinema in Okene, where party leaders, stakeholders, and supporters gathered to conclude the exercise.

According to the statement, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) monitored the process alongside journalists to ensure transparency and compliance with electoral guidelines.

Reacting after the collation of results, Natasha expressed appreciation to party members and supporters for what she described as a strong demonstration of unity and confidence.

She said the exercise reflected the trust the people of Kogi Central continue to place in her vision for progress, inclusion, and development.

“I am deeply humbled by the massive turnout across all 57 wards. This is not just about one individual; it is about our people coming together in unity to deepen democracy and build a stronger and more prosperous Kogi Central,” she said.

The senator added that the large turnout showed the commitment of party members to strengthening democratic participation across the district.

She also pledged to remain focused on delivering development, justice, and opportunities to constituents, while maintaining close engagement with communities across the senatorial zone.

Natasha said she accepted the nomination with gratitude and renewed commitment, promising to serve with dedication and accountability if elected.

Oseni made the remarks on Thursday during the programme while reacting to Fubara’s withdrawal from the APC governorship primary.

He described the political situation in Rivers State as troubling for Nigeria’s democracy, arguing that it further highlights the influence of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, in the state’s political structure since the 2023 elections.

According to him, Wike has become a dominant force in Rivers politics, with influence that appears to cut across party lines.

However, Oseni questioned how sustainable such political dominance could be, warning that excessive concentration of power in one individual could undermine democratic growth.

He said, “As regards Rivers, what do I say? It’s a shame on our democracy. Rivers has become two-factor authentication.”

He added that political alignments in the state appear heavily influenced by Wike, suggesting that recent developments reflect his continued control over key decisions.

“You quickly went to join the APC, you couldn’t get consolidation there,” he said, referring to Fubara’s political move.

Oseni further speculated on future political dynamics in the state, questioning whether Wike’s influence would extend to other political figures and structures.

He argued that Wike’s level of dominance raises concerns about political plurality, noting that democracy suffers when power becomes overly centralized.

According to him, while Wike’s influence is evident, the bigger question is whether such a system is sustainable in the long term.

Oseni also warned that similar political patterns could emerge in other states if not checked, stressing the need for stronger democratic institutions and balance of power.

Tinubu said the removal of multiple exchange rates and petrol subsidy disrupted long-standing interests that benefited from the previous system.

The President made the remarks on Wednesday in Lagos during the public presentation of the book “The NADECO Story” authored by Chief Ayo Opadokun.

He was represented at the event by former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba.

According to Osoba, who delivered Tinubu’s message, the President is aware of alleged efforts by certain groups to destabilise the country in response to his economic reforms.

He said those who previously profited from foreign exchange arbitrage and subsidy schemes are unhappy with the current policies.

“As for security, he says I should let you know that he is aware there is a deliberate attempt to disrupt the peace of this country by people he has offended by cancelling multiple exchange rates and oil subsidies,” Osoba said.

“He said those cabals doing round-tripping may wish him dead, but he remains determined to continue economic reforms no matter the pressure.”

Tinubu introduced fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange unification shortly after assuming office in 2023, policies that have sparked both support and criticism nationwide amid rising living costs.

Osoba added that the President expressed appreciation to NADECO members for their role in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle and assured them that their contributions would not be forgotten.

He said Tinubu stressed that democracy must be protected and sustained, while identifying the economy and security as key priorities of his administration.

According to him, the President also noted growing security concerns in the South-West and reaffirmed that stabilising the economy remains his immediate focus.

Osoba further quoted Tinubu as saying that the gap between official and parallel exchange rates has narrowed under his reforms, insisting the naira has not collapsed as predicted by critics.

He added that Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to continue economic restructuring despite resistance from beneficiaries of the old system, while also promising improved performance if re-elected for a second term.

The event was attended by several prominent Nigerians, including Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, the Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja, legal practitioners, activists, academics, and media figures.