The political rift between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has intensified, with Akpoti-Uduaghan describing recent allegations against her as an attempt to silence her amid growing safety concerns.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is currently serving a six-month suspension from the Senate, came under fire following remarks she made during a public event in Kogi State, where she expressed fears for her life and pointed fingers at top political figures, including Akpabio.
In response, the Senate President lodged a petition with the Inspector General of Police, accusing the senator of criminal defamation and incitement. He claimed the accusations were not only false but dangerous, intended to fuel unrest and smear his reputation.
However, through her lawyer, Victor Giwa, Akpoti-Uduaghan clarified that her statement was not intended as a political accusation but as a public plea for protection. Giwa noted that the senator had faced increased vulnerability since her security details were withdrawn, a move he strongly criticised, given her high-profile status and the political climate.
“This isn’t about politics,” Giwa stated. “It’s about her safety. Withdrawing her security while ignoring her fears sends a troubling message about how we treat women in politics and politically exposed persons.”
The controversy has sparked broader debates about political accountability and safety in Nigeria’s legislative landscape. While Akpabio’s camp insists the senator’s remarks were reckless and malicious, others argue that her fears should not be dismissed, especially in a country where political violence remains a concern.
Adding a layer of political theatre to the drama, a pro-Akpabio group, the Movement for National Accommodation and Consensus for Continuity (MONACCO), launched a campaign to defend the Senate President’s character. The group described Akpabio as “often misunderstood,” cautioning that political rivals might exploit his informal nature for personal or partisan gain.
For now, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s legal team maintains that her words were a reflection of real threats, not an attack on Akpabio’s reputation.
As investigations continue, the case has drawn attention to the critical intersection of political speech, personal security, and institutional response in Nigeria.
