By Our Correspondent
Fresh controversy has emerged in Nigeria’s political space following new allegations by US-based activist Sandra Duru, popularly known as Prof. Mgbeke, involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Duru recently released a nine-minute audio recording on social media, alongside a series of allegations concerning the political dispute that has continued to attract public attention.
In the latest development, both Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan have remained silent on the new allegations, with neither politician issuing a detailed public response to the claims contained in the recording as of the time of publication.
According to Duru, the recording allegedly captures a conversation in which Akpabio discussed political matters and allegedly engaged her to mount a campaign against Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The activist also alleged that the conversation touched on other prominent political figures and issues, including former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Senator Ned Nwoko.
However, the contents of the audio have not been independently authenticated, and the identities of the voices, as well as the circumstances under which the recording was obtained, remain subject to verification.
The new allegation has also brought back memories of an earlier controversy involving Duru and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In 2025, Duru alleged that Akpoti-Uduaghan offered her ₦200 million to make damaging allegations against Akpabio. Akpoti-Uduaghan denied the allegation at the time and distanced herself from the activist’s claims.
The latest development has added another chapter to the dispute, particularly because Duru’s latest claims appear different from allegations she previously made.
The controversy has sparked fresh discussions online, with Nigerians examining the competing claims and asking questions about the circumstances surrounding the newly released recording.
Questions also remain about the authenticity, completeness and context of the audio. Until the recording is independently verified or the individuals involved provide further evidence or explanations, the allegations remain claims made by the activist.
There is also a legal aspect to the dispute. Duru has previously been involved in legal proceedings relating to allegations and materials concerning Akpoti-Uduaghan. Reports indicate that an FCT High Court had issued an order restraining Duru and Meta from further circulating certain materials alleged to be defamatory against the senator pending determination of the substantive matter.
Despite the attention generated by the latest recording, neither Akpabio nor Akpoti-Uduaghan has provided a detailed public explanation addressing all the claims.
Akpabio’s media aide reportedly did not respond to requests for comment, while a representative of Akpoti-Uduaghan indicated that her camp had no comment on the fresh development.
For now, the dispute continues to attract public attention, with the newly released audio adding another dimension to the disagreement.
Attention will now be focused on whether the recording will be independently authenticated and whether either Akpabio or Akpoti-Uduaghan will eventually issue a detailed response.
Until further evidence or clarification emerges, the latest allegations should be treated as unverified claims rather than established facts.
