The Nigerian political landscape has witnessed a dramatic unfolding of events involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, and her series of unsubstantiated allegations against prominent figures, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello. Mr. Ike Chidolue, the former Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee, Texas, has publicly challenged Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide credible evidence to support her claims or resign from her position. This call for accountability stems from the senator’s consistent pattern of making sensational accusations without presenting verifiable proof, raising concerns about the potential misuse of public office for political gain.
The controversy escalated following a Facebook Live broadcast by Dr. Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke), which presented audio recordings and screenshots seemingly contradicting Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s public statements on various matters. Instead of addressing the evidence directly, the senator dismissed the broadcast as “manipulated” and “politically motivated,” failing to provide any concrete evidence to counter the presented materials. Chidolue argues that this response is characteristic of the senator’s tendency to resort to conspiracy claims and personal attacks when confronted with inconvenient truths, further eroding public trust in her credibility.
Chidolue’s statement emphasizes the gravity of the situation, highlighting the potential damage caused by unsubstantiated allegations leveled against high-ranking officials. He points out several serious accusations made by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan that lack any supporting evidence, including claims of sexual harassment against Senate President Akpabio, accusations of a murder plot involving former Governor Bello, and allegations implicating the Akpabios in the death of a minor in 2021. The senator’s assertion that her reassignment on the Senate floor was a form of retaliation for rejecting unwanted advances further adds to the list of unverified claims. The absence of police reports, sworn affidavits, Senate resolutions, or any authenticated documentation to support these allegations raises serious questions about their validity.
To restore public confidence and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s political institutions, Chidolue proposes a four-step approach for Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. First, he urges her to subject Dr. Duru’s recordings to independent forensic analysis to verify their authenticity. Second, he calls upon the senator to present concrete evidence, including police reports, court filings, and Senate records, to substantiate her various claims. Should these claims prove to be defamatory, she should pursue legal redress through the appropriate channels.
If Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is unable to provide credible evidence, Chidolue advocates for a public apology and her resignation from the Senate. This course of action, he argues, is necessary to demonstrate accountability and respect for the public trust. Using Nigeria’s public institutions as platforms for unsubstantiated accusations and theatrical displays undermines their integrity and erodes public confidence. The demand for evidence is not merely a procedural formality; it is a fundamental requirement for responsible leadership and a cornerstone of a functioning democracy.
Chidolue’s statement concludes with a strong message emphasizing the need for evidence-based discourse in public life. He stresses that Nigerian citizens deserve better than conjecture and drama from their elected officials. The time for storytelling and unsubstantiated claims has passed; the burden of proof now rests firmly on Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan. She must either present credible evidence to support her allegations or step down from her position, upholding the principles of accountability and transparency in public service. The choice, as Chidolue puts it, is clear: evidence or exit.
