Mr. Ike Chidolue, the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian-American Public Affairs Committee (NAPAC) Texas, has publicly challenged Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan to substantiate her serious allegations with credible evidence or step down from her senate seat. The call came in response to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent accusations against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, which she claims include conspiracy to assassinate her.
Background: Akpoti-Uduaghan’s Allegations and Response
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District and is currently suspended, accused Senate President Akpabio and former Governor Bello of plotting to kill her. She also dismissed a viral May 1 Facebook Live broadcast by Dr. Sandra Duru (also known as Prof. Mgbeke), which included audio recordings and screenshots contradicting her public denials, labeling the broadcast as “manipulated” and “politically motivated.”
Chidolue’s Criticism: Demand for Facts and Credibility
In a statement issued on Sunday, May 4, 2025, in Abuja, Chidolue criticized the senator for failing to provide any verifiable facts, forensic evidence, or credible documentation to support her claims. He described her response as a “continuation of a now familiar pattern” of making sensational allegations that are quickly recycled into conspiracy theories when confronted with contradictory evidence.
Chidolue pointed out that none of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claims-including accusations of sexual harassment by Senate President Akpabio, alleged assassination contracts involving former Governor Bello, and involvement of the Akpabio family in the 2021 death of a minor-have been substantiated by police reports, sworn affidavits, senate resolutions, or any authenticated documents.
Call for Accountability: Four-Step Action Plan
To restore credibility and uphold the integrity of Nigeria’s public institutions, Chidolue outlined a four-step course of action for the senator:
- Authenticate or refute the recordings and materials presented by Dr. Sandra Duru through an independent forensic laboratory, publicly.
- Present concrete evidence such as police reports, court filings, or senate records to back every claim made.
- Seek legal redress if she believes she has been defamed.
- If unable to provide evidence, tender a public apology and vacate her senate seat.
Emphasis on Responsibility and Public Trust
Chidolue emphasized that Nigeria’s public institutions should not be arenas for “trial-by-sentiment” or political theatrics. He stressed that elected officials owe the public facts, not unsubstantiated stories, and urged Akpoti-Uduaghan to either provide proof or step aside.
“The time for storytelling has expired. The burden is now hers: evidence or exit,” Chidolue declared.
This development highlights ongoing tensions within Nigeria’s political landscape and underscores the demand for accountability and transparency from public officials making serious allegations.
