Senate President Godswill Akpabio has filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order compelling suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, to delete a satirical video posted on her social media accounts.
The video, posted on April 27, features Akpoti-Uduaghan delivering a mocking “apology” to Akpabio, in which she sarcastically claimed to be sorry “for the crime of maintaining dignity and self-respect” and for refusing to yield to the Senate President’s alleged personal advances. The video quickly went viral, drawing sharp reactions and deepening tensions between the two lawmakers.
Akpabio’s legal team argues that the video was defamatory and malicious, aimed at damaging the Senate President’s reputation. The suit demands not only the removal of the video but also a public retraction and possible monetary damages.
The feud traces back to a heated altercation in the Senate chambers earlier this year, reportedly over seating arrangements and committee privileges. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has since been suspended from the Senate over unrelated allegations of misconduct.
The matter is expected to raise fresh debates around decorum in the legislature, gender dynamics in Nigerian politics, and freedom of expression on digital platforms.
Sources:Federal High Court filings,Statements from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s social media,Senate proceedings records
