Suspended Senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has firmly denied any involvement with a viral audio and video circulating on social media, which allege she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of blackmailing President Bola Tinubu to orchestrate her imprisonment.
In a strongly worded statement released on Wednesday and personally signed in Abuja, Akpoti-Uduaghan denounced the content as “a deliberate act of misinformation,” designed to damage her reputation and sow discord within the Federal Government and the National Assembly.
“I categorically and unequivocally dissociate myself from this video and audio recording,” she said. “At no time did I grant such an interview or hold any such conversation with a journalist or anyone else. The voice in the recording is not mine. It has been cloned and manipulated with clear malicious intent.”
Describing the material as a “dangerous abuse of technology,” Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed deep concern about the increasing use of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation to spread misinformation and incite political unrest.
“This is a calculated attempt to mislead the public, damage my reputation, and stir division within the leadership of the National Assembly and the Federal Government,” she stated. “It is not only mischievous and criminal but also a direct threat to our democratic processes.”
The embattled senator, who has faced a wave of political turbulence in recent months, reaffirmed her commitment to truth, accountability, and democratic integrity. She noted that her legal team has already begun working with security agencies to investigate the origin of the doctored recordings and identify those responsible.
Calling for calm and public vigilance, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged Nigerians to disregard the viral content entirely.
“This is the work of desperate individuals intent on smearing the image of a law-abiding, peace-loving public servant. I remain steadfast in my service to the people and urge Nigerians to remain vigilant against coordinated campaigns of disinformation and digital impersonation aimed at creating unnecessary political tension.”
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statement comes amid growing concerns about the use of AI-generated content in political smear campaigns across Nigeria, particularly in the buildup to the 2027 general elections.
