Natasha praises Tinubu on TikTok, sparks rumour of defection
The suspended lawmaker representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on Saturday, sparked controversy of an imminent defection when she shot a viral video of herself vibing to a music praising President Bola Tinubu.
In the 15-second clip posted on her TikTok page, the senator was seen giggling as she repeatedly played the track by popular Kano musician, Dauda Kahutu, otherwise known as Rarara.
The musician had regaled the President with a performance of his new Yoruba song titled “Asiwaju Omo Ologo” at a dinner event held in Katsina during his official visit.
Asiwaju Omo Ologo translates to mean ‘Asiwaju the glorious child.’
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action has left her supporters confused, with many wondering if she plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party for the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The PUNCH could also not independently verify if her subtle action is an affirmation of an imminent defection or another satire deployed to embarrass the APC-led government.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Kogi senator were unsuccessful.
Her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, could also not be reached on the phone for clarification.
As of the time of filing this story, he could not be reached again.
Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended on March 6, following a heated disagreement with the Senate leadership over a new seating arrangement, which she alleged was designed to undermine her.
Tensions rose further when she accused Senate President Akpabio on national television of punishing her for rejecting his purported sexual advances.
During the Women in Parliament session at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting at the United Nations in New York, Akpoti-Uduaghan called for international intervention to hold the Nigerian Senate accountable.
She 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 a series of legal fireworks between both parties, the court barred the duo from talking to the press and commenting on the issue until the legal outcome of the case.
However, last Sunday, two days after Akpabio led a Federal Government delegation to the Vatican, the Kogi Central senator wrote a satirical ‘Apology Letter’ directed at the office of the Senate President.
