Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has sparked speculation of a possible defection after posting a TikTok video in which she appeared to enjoy a song praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The brief 15-second video shows the Kogi Central lawmaker smiling and nodding to the tune of “Asiwaju Omo Ologo,” a song by northern musician Dauda Kahutu (popularly known as Rarara), performed during President Tinubu’s recent visit to Katsina. The title of the song translates as “Asiwaju, the glorious child.”
The video, which quickly circulated across social media platforms, has left many of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s supporters questioning whether she may be considering a move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). However, no official statement has been made to confirm or deny any such intention, and some have dismissed the clip as possibly satirical or non-political.
Efforts to obtain clarification from the senator or her media aide, Israel Arogbonlo, were unsuccessful as of the time of reporting.
Akpoti-Uduaghan has been under suspension from the Senate since March 6, following a dispute over seating arrangements, which she alleged were part of a broader attempt to sideline her. The matter escalated when she accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of retaliating against her after she allegedly rejected his sexual advances.
During a recent appearance at a United Nations event, the senator condemned the suspension, calling for international scrutiny of the Nigerian Senate. She also criticized additional sanctions imposed on her, including salary cuts and the withdrawal of official security.
A court has since issued a directive prohibiting both parties from making public statements until the conclusion of the ongoing legal case. Despite this, Akpoti-Uduaghan released a mock “Apology Letter” last week, just days after Senate President Akpabio led a government delegation to the Vatican.
Whether her TikTok post signals a genuine political realignment or a provocative gesture remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly reignited public interest in her ongoing conflict with the Senate leadership.
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