Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stirred political chatter on Saturday following the release of a short TikTok video in which she was seen enjoying a song in praise of President Bola Tinubu.
In the 15-second clip shared on her official TikTok page, Akpoti-Uduaghan giggled as she repeatedly played a track by well-known Kano musician, Dauda Kahutu, popularly known as Rarara.
The song, rendered in Yoruba and titled “Asiwaju Omo Ologo” which means “Asiwaju, the glorious child” was earlier performed for the President during a state dinner in Katsina.
The video’s content has led to a wave of speculation among supporters and political observers, many of whom question whether the senator is planning to switch allegiance from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
As at the time of this report, DAILY GAZETTE could not independently determine whether Akpoti-Uduaghan’s video was a subtle nod toward defection or merely a satirical jab at the APC-led administration.
Repeated attempts to contact the senator for clarification proved unsuccessful.
Similarly, her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, could not be reached by phone.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been a subject of controversy since her suspension from the Senate on March 6, which followed a dispute over a new seating arrangement she claimed was orchestrated to marginalise her.
She later escalated the matter, accusing Senate President Godswill Akpabio on national television of imposing punitive actions after she rejected alleged sexual advances.
Speaking during a Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting held at the United Nations in New York, the senator had appealed for international oversight.
She condemned what she described as excessive disciplinary measures, including salary cuts, withdrawal of security, and a six-month suspension, stating, “I also criticised the severe measures imposed on her, including the withdrawal of security, salary cuts, and a six-month suspension from the National Assembly.”
Following legal proceedings initiated by both parties, a court order was issued barring them from speaking to the press or commenting on the case until judgment is delivered.
In a new twist, just two days after Senate President Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican, Akpoti-Uduaghan published a satirical “Apology Letter” addressed to the office of the Senate President, further fueling debate on the nature of her recent actions.
