The Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has broken her silence following a viral Facebook livestream by controversial figure Sandra C. Duru, accusing her of fabricating damaging audio and pushing what she described as a politically motivated smear campaign orchestrated by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
The Facebook broadcast, posted on May 1st, 2025, featured a manipulated voice clip allegedly of Senator Natasha, claiming she was part of a plot to destabilize President Bola Tinubu’s administration by branding it a “Yoruba Government.”
The video has since sparked a media firestorm, prompting fierce reactions from socio-political groups like Afenifere and raising questions about Nigeria’s fragile political alliances.
But in a swift and strongly worded statement, Natasha categorically denied the allegations, saying: “The content of the livestream — including the voice effect credited to me — are entirely untrue and most manipulated to serve Sandra Duru’s ulterior motive of playing the script of Senator Godswill Akpabio.”
She further disclosed that recent research linked Sandra Duru to the alias “Prof. Mgbeke,” a name previously associated with controversial online activity.
“Those words used are false and did not emanate from any contact involving me,” Natasha declared.
While she promised a more detailed response in the coming days, the senator’s initial rebuttal suggests an unfolding political drama where technology, power struggles, and identity warfare converge.
The Senate President has not responded to the latest twist, though his allies have welcomed the viral video as vindication of his loyalty to the presidency. Meanwhile, Natasha’s supporters argue the incident reflects a dangerous trend of deepfake propaganda in Nigeria’s political discourse.
As accusations fly and credibility is tested, observers say the incident underscores the need for transparency, digital accountability, and restraint in Nigeria’s increasingly volatile political landscape.
