By: Bayo Obalende
A heated confrontation erupted in Abuja today, Wednesday 5th March, as supporters of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan faced off against those of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The clash occurred near the National Assembly complex, where protesters had gathered to demand justice for Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has accused Akpabio of sexual harassment ¹.
The protesters, mostly from civil society organizations, carried placards with slogans like “Akpabio must go” and “Justice for Natasha.” However, their demonstration was met with resistance from Akpabio’s supporters, who dismissed the allegations as baseless and an attempt to blackmail the Senate President.
Some of the placards carried by the Pro-Akpabio supporters carried messages such as “We say no to Natasha’s serial blackmailing” and “Akpabio treated Natasha as a daughter and friend.”
The situation took a tense turn when security operatives intervened, using tear gas to disperse the protesters. Despite the disruption, the protesters regrouped at the Unity Fountain, where they continued their demonstration .
The controversy surrounding Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan has been escalating since February 20, 2025, when a seating arrangement dispute in the Senate chamber sparked a heated exchange between the two lawmakers. The situation has since spiraled into a full-blown crisis, with both sides trading accusations and counter-accusations
