Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has firmly denied allegations that she is working to destabilize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Speaking during a YouTube interview with journalist Adeola Fayehun on May 31, 2025, Natasha dismissed the claims as politically motivated falsehoods.
The accusations reportedly stem from Sandra Duru, a UK-based businesswoman, who alleged that Natasha was plotting to discredit Senate President Godswill Akpabio as part of a larger plan to undermine the Tinubu government.
Natasha refuted the claims, saying:
“People who know me understand that I am not a tribalist. I respect every tribe in Nigeria. I am half Nigerian, half Ukrainian—how could I promote division when I represent unity by birth? That kind of language isn’t mine.”
She alleged that Duru may have been influenced by political sponsors who feel threatened by her growing support nationwide and among the Nigerian diaspora.
Fallout with Akpabio
According to Senator Natasha, the root of the conflict lies in her strained relationship with Senate President Godswill Akpabio, not with President Tinubu. She claimed that Akpabio was displeased with her access to the president.
“Senate President Akpabio once asked my husband, ‘Are you aware your wife sees the President?’ My husband told him, ‘Yes, I am.’ Before initiating key motions like the Ajaokuta probe, I met with the President to ensure he understood and supported the issues. I am not at war with Tinubu—I am doing my job.”
She added that her suspension from the Senate was not about a seating disagreement, as claimed, but part of a deliberate attempt to silence her for refusing to engage in corrupt practices.
“They said I made a scene over a seat. That’s false. I raised a point of privilege as allowed under Senate rules, but Akpabio abruptly shut me down, ordered me out, and directed my suspension be prepared. That wasn’t spontaneous—it was premeditated.”
Allegations of Corruption and Intimidation
Natasha alleged that her troubles intensified after she filed a petition against the Senate leadership, accusing them of unethical practices. Her suspension, she said, was retaliation.
She also detailed corruption attempts during her tenure as Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Content, alleging that Akpabio and his allies demanded illicit “progress reports,” a euphemism for kickbacks.
“He asked for a report, which I later realized meant returns—either money or positions. I was told to pressure agencies like the Petroleum Ministry to deliver something for him. I refused. That’s when I was told I wasn’t fit to chair any committee.”
‘A Culture of Fear in the Senate’
Natasha further claimed that many senators suffer in silence, coerced by unnamed political “godfathers” to comply with backdoor demands, especially during budget deliberations.
“Akpabio has turned the Senate into a theater of distractions while real power plays happen behind closed doors. I’m not the only one—others face the same intimidation.”
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to transparency, public service, and integrity, stating:
“My focus is on the people of Kogi Central who elected me to work—not to fight personal battles or act as an agent of chaos. I stand for truth, and I won’t back down.”
