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A leaked audio recording making the rounds on social media has captured Senate President Godswill Akpabio making several claims about former Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Senator Ned Nwoko, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
The recording was circulated by US-based Nigerian Sandra Duru, also known as Prof. Mgbeke, who has previously released audio recordings in connection with the controversy involving Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In the latest recording, Senator Akpabio was heard discussing Okowa’s political realignment and claiming that the former Delta governor joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of concerns surrounding corruption cases.
“Okowa was coming late because of fear of his corruption cases. It’s not because of sincerity,” Akpabio was heard telling Sandra Duru in the leaked audio. The President of the Senate further claims that Okowa’s movement into the APC had political implications for the Delta North senatorial contest and says he could determine whether Okowa would obtain the party’s ticket.
Akpabio, Nwoko and the 2023 Senate Presidency
A substantial portion of the conversation centres on Senator Ned Nwoko and the 2023 Senate Presidency contest. Senator Akpabio says Senator Nwoko did not support his emergence as Senate President, claiming instead that Nwoko backed Senator Abdul’aziz Yari. He also refers to Senator Nwoko as someone with whom he had maintained a relationship despite their previous political differences, describing himself as forgiving and saying he had chosen to bring people close after attaining the position he wanted.
In the audio, Senator Akpabio further discusses Nwoko’s political interests, including the Paris Club refund, and claims that Nwoko’s political position in Delta North was under threat from Okowa.
He also cautions Duru against allowing Senator Nwoko to know about their conversation.
“Don’t allow even Ned to know that you and I are talking,” the speaker says in the transcript.
Claim on APC Leadership
The conversation also touches on the leadership of the APC. Senator Akpabio claims that the emergence of the current APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe, was a matter handled between him and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senator Akpabio says some political figures, including Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi, were unaware of discussions surrounding the chairman’s emergence and further claims to have significant influence over political decisions within the party.
The recording also contains a claim that he could determine the outcome of the Delta North political contest involving Senator Okowa and Senator Nwoko.
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Controversy
Akpabio also discusses the controversy involving Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. In the recording, he denies ever touching Akpoti-Uduaghan and refers to CCTV footage which, according to him, showed interactions between Akpoti-Uduaghan and her husband.
The speaker also says evidence from other individuals, including Senator Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and others, showed that he never shook hands with Akpoti-Uduaghan or came close to her.
He further discusses legal action involving his wife and Akpoti-Uduaghan and says the controversy could have wider political consequences, including renewed debate about gender-related government policy.
At one point, he suggests replacing the Ministry of Women Affairs with a Ministry of Gender Affairs, which he says would cater to both men and women.
“These are the things that will come out of this Natasha case,” the voice says.
“I Value You More Than You Can Imagine”
The recording also contains a series of personal remarks directed at Sandra Duru.
Senator Akpabio tells her that although their strategies may differ, they are ultimately working toward the same destination.
“I can swear with everything I own in this life that I value you more than you can ever imagine,” the voice says. He also discusses his relationship with Nwoko, saying he does not hold past disagreements against people and prefers to maintain relationships with those around him.
The conversation further touches on President Tinubu, Senator Okowa, Senator Nwoko and other political figures and their roles in ongoing political calculations.
The authenticity, date and complete context of the recording have not been independently established by The MeridianSpy. Some portions of the supplied transcript are also unclear or inaudible.
The development comes against the backdrop of the wider controversy involving Akpabio, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Sandra Duru, which has previously featured disputed audio recordings and competing claims over their authenticity.
The MeridianSpy will continue to monitor developments and responses from the individuals mentioned in the recording.
