Abuja, February 28, 2025 – The Nigerian Senate has been thrown into a political storm following explosive allegations by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. What initially appeared to be a case of sexual harassment is now shaping into a broader battle over political power, legislative influence, and gender dynamics in Nigerian politics.
While Senator Natasha’s claims of sexual harassment have dominated headlines, insiders suggest the conflict runs deeper. The rift between the two senators is tied to a long-standing power play within the Senate, particularly over key economic policies, committee appointments, and legislative control. At the center of the controversy is the Ajaokuta Steel Company—a long-debated industrial project that has suffered from corruption and political interference. Senator Natasha has been vocal about reviving the project, while Akpabio, as Senate President, wields significant control over which motions and debates gain traction.
Sources within the National Assembly reveal that tensions escalated after Natasha’s repeated attempts to push for a probe into Ajaokuta’s mismanagement. Her claims that Akpabio demanded personal favors in exchange for supporting her motion are now being scrutinized in the context of Senate power struggles.
Beyond personal allegations, this case has reignited conversations about the challenges faced by female lawmakers in Nigeria. Some observers see Senator Natasha’s ordeal as an example of how women in politics are often subjected to undue pressure, intimidation, and systemic bias. Supporters argue that Akpabio’s alleged actions—blocking her motions, reassigning her seat, and ordering security officials to remove her from the chamber—are indicative of political suppression rather than mere personal disputes.
“This is not just about me; it is about women in power facing intimidation,” Senator Natasha stated during her Arise TV interview. However, Akpabio’s allies dismiss these claims, portraying the fallout as a routine Senate disagreement blown out of proportion. A senior lawmaker who spoke on condition of anonymity suggested that Natasha’s lawsuit and public outcry are strategic moves aimed at gaining political leverage.
As the scandal unfolds, the legal and political ramifications continue to build. Senator Natasha’s 100 billion naira defamation lawsuit against Akpabio has sparked interest among civil rights groups, who are calling for an independent probe. The Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has also stepped in to investigate. Meanwhile, the ruling party faces mounting pressure to intervene, as the feud threatens to destabilize Senate proceedings. With growing public attention, some political analysts predict that the controversy could influence the next leadership shuffle within the National Assembly.
With both sides digging in, the Natasha-Akpabio clash is no longer just about sexual harassment—it is now a test of power, influence, and gender equity in Nigerian governance. Will this case set a precedent for how female politicians are treated, or will it fade into political history as yet another unresolved controversy? For now, Nigerians are watching closely as the battle unfolds in both the courtroom and the Senate chamber.
