Senate President Godswill Akpabio has taken legal action against suspended Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, asking the Federal High Court in Abuja to order the removal of a satirical video apology she posted on social media.
The controversial video, which went viral on April 27, 2025, featured Akpoti-Uduaghan mockingly apologising to Akpabio for “maintaining dignity and self-respect” and allegedly refusing his advances. In the clip, she sarcastically expressed regret for not allowing the Senate President to “have his way.”
Background of the Feud
The altercation between the two senators reportedly began over a dispute in the Senate chamber regarding seating arrangements, which escalated into a full-blown political and legal battle.
Akpoti-Uduaghan later filed a lawsuit to halt an investigation by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen. She requested the court to stop any disciplinary measures against her, which were allegedly initiated in retaliation for her accusations of sexual harassment against Akpabio.
Despite this legal move, she was suspended from the Senate.
Court Gag Order and New Petition
On April 4, 2025, Justice Binta Nyako issued a gag order, barring all parties involved from making further public statements on the case.
However, Akpabio’s legal team, led by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, has now filed a new application claiming that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s video violated that directive.
The Senate President is asking the court to:
- Order the deletion of the satirical video from all social media platforms.
- Compel the publication of a formal apology in at least two national newspapers.
- Mandate the filing of an affidavit confirming the senator’s compliance with the court order.
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What This Means
This case could set a precedent regarding freedom of expression versus contempt of court in ongoing political disputes. It also underscores the deepening rift within Nigeria’s Senate, as the issue goes beyond personal conflict and into public accountability, gender dynamics, and political power plays.
Observers await the court’s decision on whether Akpoti-Uduaghan will be forced to retract her mock apology, and what implications it might have for both senators moving forward.
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