On July 21, 2024, controversial blogger Gistlover listed several Nigerian female celebrities allegedly having an affair with Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In a now-deleted Instagram post, Gistlover wrote alongside pictures of the celebrities:
“Hello tueh tueh, meet the enemies of Nigeria disguise under being a celebrity to suck dry the money belonging to the masses. You see on this Instagram, 99 percent of all these girls flaunting wealth anyhow are being sponsored by married politicians…”
The full list of celebrities Gistlover accused of hooking up with Senate President Akpabio includes:
- Ini Edo
- Hilda Baci
- Wanneka
- Nancy Isime
- Dabota Lawson
- Dakore Akande
- Shontel Nnadi (Akpabio’s alleged current “side chick”).
While the story is still evolving, the controversial post has raised questions about the link between the Senate President and these women, particularly Dakore Akande, known for being uncontroversial.
Dakore has since denied the allegations, tendering a cease and desist letter to the faceless blogger. Wanneka and Shontel also refuted the claims. However, other celebrities on the list remain silent as of the time of writing.
Gistlover has a history of sharing controversial news, with some being confirmed true and others remaining unconfirmed. The gossip blog often accuses female celebrities of funding their lavish lifestyles with the help of married politicians.
Why Gistlover may have linked Dakore and others to Akpabio
Here’s possibly why Gistlover has linked actresses Dakore, Ini Edo and other celebrities to Senate President Akpabio:
1. Ini Edo
In the past, bloggers have accused Ini Edo of dating politicians and rich married men. Although these claims remain unconfirmed, it comes as no surprise to many that the Akwa Ibom-born actress is rumoured to have hooked up with Akpabio.
In fact, Ini Edo and Akpabio were first linked together in 2012, when Akpabio was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State. At the time, it was alleged that Akpabio offered the “Shanty Town” actress ₦600 million to build an art school in their hometown, Uyo. This could be a hint at why she made it to Gistlover’s controversial list.
2. Hilda Baci
Gistlover alleged that celebrity chef Hilda Baci has also dated Akpabio. In 2023, the Senate President, among others, attended the event where Baci set the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking hours.
However, before these recent allegations, there was no known link between Hilda Baci and Akpabio. Their shared Akwa Ibom roots and Baci’s fit among a certain stereotype may be the reason she is on Gistlover’s list.
3. Wanneka
Speaking of stereotypes, it may come as no surprise to many that hair vendor Wanneka is on this list. The entrepreneur has not exactly had a drama-free career, from controversial marriages to a fallout with fashion designer Veekee James.
4. Nancy Isime
Nollywood sweetheart Nancy Isime has been quite uncontroversial until recent times. In 2022, Gistlover first called her out, linking her to a married UK businessman, Michael Dion-Goli. Although she refuted the claims at the time, we see why the blogger sneaked her name into their new list.
5. Dabota Lawson
Dabota Lawson is one of the celebrities Gistlover has linked to Senate President Akpabio. The ex-beauty queen has faced a few controversies in the past, including her failed marriage to billionaire Sunny Aku and an alleged romance with a married socialite, Ify Boss.
6. Dakore Akande
Dakore is indeed a new name in controversial news. The “Isoken” actress, who is married to Olumide Akande, has maintained a drama-free career for decades. In fact, her name on Gistlover’s list surprised many people. Until now, Dakore has not been romantically linked to any politician or married man, which is why her fans believe the reports are fake.
An Instagram user, @i_amdara90, commented:
“She is one of the Actress without any drama, she can never do that moreso her hubby is very rich.”
Another Instagram user, @anniehaircollection, wrote:
“The fact that all we get is a PhotoGrid of different pictures with no single evidence and people (women especially) will jump on it!!!! SAD.
7. Shontel Nnadi
Gistlover tagged socialite Shontel Nnadi as the “current side chick” of Akpabio. The blogger claimed that Akpabio gave Shontel money to start a foundation in his name, Godswill. Gistlover shared a screenshot showing Shontel’s alleged Instagram bio before and after the call-out, where she had listed herself as “Founder, Godswill Shelter Initiative” and removed it after the call-out. The socialite has since denied dating Akpabio, claiming she doesn’t hook up with old men.
Most of the celebrities on the list share a common trend – controversy! Except for Dakore Egbuson Akande who has never really been in such news before. However, DNB Stories Africa cannot confirm Gistlover’s claims, as there is no solid evidence to support them.
Meanwhile, Akpabio reacted to the allegations today July 23, 2024, while addressing other matters in the Senate. He first apologized to Senator Natasha over his “nightclub” comment, then denied hooking up with the celebrities. For context, Akpabio had asked Senator Natasha during a plenary session to only speak when asked, saying they’re “not in a nightclub.” The video, which went viral on July 19, 2023, sparked mixed reactions on social media.
Following Akpabio’s apology, Gistlover announced that they would discontinue the story, claiming that the apology was the desired outcome of the call-out. However, the blogger insists that the celebrities on their list were indeed romantically involved with the Senate President.
