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N100 Billion Showdown: Senator Natasha Takes on Akpabio in Explosive Court Battle

By Achimi Muktar

The political temperature in Nigeria's Senate has reached a boiling point as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has dragged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and his aide to court over alleged defamation and political victimization—demanding a staggering N100.3 billion in damages.

Filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, the lawsuit accuses Akpabio and his Senior Legislative Aide, Mfon Patrick, of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. At the center of the legal battle is a controversial Facebook post, allegedly published at Akpabio’s prompting, which questioned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s competence and ridiculed her appearance and legislative capabilities.

Inside the Lawsuit: The Explosive Allegations

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is not just seeking financial compensation—she is also calling for a public retraction of what she describes as malicious and defamatory statements designed to discredit her work in the Senate.

Among the most damning excerpts from the post that sparked outrage was:

“She thinks being a lawmaker is all about pancaking her face and wearing transparent outfits to the chambers.”

The senator argues that these remarks were not only sexist and defamatory but part of a broader attempt by Akpabio to sideline her from legislative duties.

In her court affidavit, she further alleged that she was deliberately removed from key Senate committees and international conferences, forcing her to personally fund her official trips.

Akpabio Fires Back: Senate Moves to Punish Natasha

As the legal battle unfolds, Senate President Akpabio has not backed down. During a heated plenary session, he publicly chastised Akpoti-Uduaghan, accusing her of lacking an understanding of the Senate’s rules and protocols.

“Our distinguished sister was not even speaking from her seat. That was when we tried to call her to order. Part of the problem is when people come from courts, court-declared senators, they miss the orientation,” Akpabio remarked, implying that her judicially secured seat in the Senate meant she lacked proper training.

Akpabio also ordered the National Assembly management to organize special training for 'mid-stream' senators, seemingly taking a direct swipe at Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions has been tasked with investigating her alleged "unparliamentary conduct", raising speculation that she could face suspension or other disciplinary actions.

Political War or Justice? What’s Next in This High-Stakes Legal Battle?

This lawsuit has ignited fresh debates about power struggles within the Nigerian Senate, gender bias in politics, and the price of dissent within the chambers of power.

While Akpoti-Uduaghan fights for justice and political fairness, Akpabio and his allies are positioning her as a disruptor who lacks legislative discipline.

With the Senate gearing up for a possible sanction against Akpoti-Uduaghan, and the legal battle now in motion, one thing is certain—this war is far from over.

Will the courts rule in Natasha’s favor and deliver a landmark judgment against the Senate President? Or will Akpabio’s camp find a way to silence her voice within the Senate?