By The National Assembly turned into a battleground on Wednesday as loyalists of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan clashed with supporters of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The confrontation came amid a deepening crisis triggered by sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, arrived at the Assembly to loud cheers from her supporters, who have been openly demanding Akpabio’s immediate resignation. They accuse him of abusing his office and disrespecting a fellow lawmaker.
The female Senator had earlier alleged that Akpabio made inappropriate advances towards her at his home in December 2023. According to her, the harassment continued when she visited him again to discuss issues surrounding her Ajaokuta Steel motion. She further claimed Akpabio intentionally sidelined her in the Senate through hostile seating arrangements after they clashed during plenary.
As she approached the protest ground near the MOPOL gate, her supporters burst into chants, waving placards that read: “Akpabio must go” and “We stand with Senator Natasha.”
The growing unrest highlights deep cracks within the Senate, with some lawmakers quietly siding with Akpoti-Uduaghan, while others rally behind Akpabio, insisting the allegations are politically motivated.
So far, Akpabio has denied all accusations, saying, “I have never harassed or mistreated any female Senator.” However, the tension at the Assembly suggests this fight is far from over.
