Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi-North Senatorial District, has taken legal action against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, filing a N100 billion lawsuit. She accuses Akpabio of sexual harassment, defamation, and persistent intimidation aimed at undermining her reputation and legislative role.
The suit, filed in a Federal High Court, alleges that Akpabio led a calculated effort to damage her public image and political influence. According to documents obtained by Chronicles Reporter’s, the senator detailed various incidents, including the sudden reassignment of her Senate seat without prior notice, public humiliation during plenary sessions, and defamatory comments allegedly spread on social media by Akpabio’s legislative aide.
In her statement, Senator Natasha claims that the online remarks sparked damaging speculation among her associates, particularly a business partner in the United States. The partner reportedly questioned her integrity after reading allegations suggesting she used her appearance to distract male colleagues in the Senate. This, she argues, resulted in the loss of a significant business partnership, which was on the verge of being finalized.
She further asserts that these allegations have led members of the public to perceive her as nothing more than a fashion-conscious senator, rather than a dedicated lawmaker. She contends that this portrayal has not only injured her dignity and reputation but has also cast a shadow over her professional achievements, including her recent recognition as Best Senator of the Year by ThisDay Newspapers.
According to the lawsuit, the conflict intensified in 2024 when she was removed as Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content. She attributes this removal to Akpabio’s alleged interference and claims she was deliberately sidelined from key international conferences and Senate committees. As a result, she had to personally finance her official trips.
One of the most controversial incidents cited in the lawsuit involved the reassignment of her Senate seat. Senator Natasha alleges that when she sought clarification on the matter, Akpabio instructed the sergeant-at-arms to forcibly remove her from the chamber, an action she describes as an attempt to humiliate her.
Additionally, she highlights a viral social media post allegedly authored by Akpabio’s aide. The post mocked her appearance, accusing her of prioritizing fashion and makeup over legislative responsibilities. She argues that these statements were intentionally crafted to damage her credibility, belittle her achievements, and portray her as unserious.
Senator Natasha, who was recently honored by ThisDay Newspapers and Arise TV as Best Senator of the Year 2025, insists that the defamatory claims have severely impacted both her personal and professional life. She argues that the damage extends beyond politics, as the negative publicity cost her an important partnership abroad and subjected her to public ridicule.
Her lawsuit demands the following:
- A public apology and a retraction of the defamatory statements circulated on social media.
- N100 billion in damages for defamation, emotional distress, and harm to her reputation.
- N300 million in legal fees to cover the cost of the lawsuit.
- A permanent injunction preventing Akpabio and his aide from making further defamatory statements against her.
The legal battle is expected to draw significant attention, with observers waiting to see how the case unfolds in court.
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