I’m Not A Puppet! — Natasha Explodes Over Ties To Tinubu’s Government

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central in the Senate, has firmly denied allegations made by UK-based businesswoman Sandra Duru, who accused her of plotting to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.

Duru had claimed that the senator intended to weaken the Tinubu administration by launching a campaign against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. However, in an interview with US-based journalist Adeola Fayehun, Akpoti-Uduaghan dismissed the accusations as baseless.

She emphasized her commitment to national unity and diversity, stating, “Those who know me understand I’m not a tribalist. I respect every Nigerian ethnicity. I am half Nigerian, half Ukrainian — so how could I speak against any tribe? That’s simply not who I am.”

The senator suggested that Duru may have been influenced by third parties who feel threatened by her growing popularity both at home and abroad. “If such claims were made, they likely came from her sponsors, people threatened by the wide support I enjoy across Nigeria and the diaspora,” she said.

Addressing her relationship with President Tinubu, Akpoti-Uduaghan made it clear that there is no animosity between them. She even revealed that her cordial ties with the President may be the real reason for Akpabio’s discomfort.

“The Senate President knows I’ve had a respectful relationship with President Tinubu. At one point, he even asked my husband if he knew I met with the President, to which my husband replied that he did,” she disclosed.

Akpoti-Uduaghan explained that she has engaged with President Tinubu on various important national matters, including the probe into the Ajaokuta Steel Company, ensuring the President was fully informed beforehand.

Despite being a member of the opposition, the senator affirmed her dedication to serving the people of Kogi Central above political rivalries. “My job is not to antagonize or create conflict. I was elected to deliver results,” she stated.

She concluded by clarifying that her grievances are directed solely at the Senate President, not the institution itself or the Presidency. “Let it be known: my issues lie with Senator Akpabio, not the entire Senate, the Nigerian people, or the President,” she said.