Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has refuted allegations that she is working to destabilise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The claims were made by UK-based businesswoman Sandra Duru, who alleged that the senator intended to attack Senate President Godswill Akpabio as a strategy to weaken the President’s position in the National Assembly.
In an exclusive interview with US-based Nigerian journalist Adeola Fayehun, Akpoti-Uduaghan firmly denied the accusations, insisting she had never made such statements and had no intention of campaigning against President Tinubu.
“Anyone who truly knows me understands that I am not a tribalist,” she said. “I am half Nigerian and half Ukrainian. It would be completely out of character for me to engage in ethnic politics. That is not my language, not my nature.”
She alleged that the claims made by Duru were likely influenced by external sponsors who are unsettled by her popularity across Nigeria and within the diaspora.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan also revealed tension between herself and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, which she believes may have contributed to the narrative being pushed against her.
According to her, “Senate President Akpabio knows I have a cordial relationship with President Tinubu. He once asked my husband, ‘Are you aware your wife visits the President?’ and my husband responded that he was.”
She explained that she had met with the President on key legislative matters, including her recent push to probe issues surrounding Ajaokuta Steel Company.
“Even though I belong to the opposition, I don’t believe in hostility for its own sake. I was elected to work, not to create unnecessary conflict,” she said. “My concern is with the Senate President, not with the Nigerian Senate, the people, or the Presidency.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan reiterated her commitment to serving the people of Kogi Central and maintaining constructive engagements for the development of the country.
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