“I Am Not Afraid of You!” – Senator Natasha Akpoti Confronts Godswill Akpabio in Fiery Senate Clash

In the Nigerian Senate today, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central confronted Senate President Godswill Akpabio after he ordered her removal from the chamber. The heated exchange, stemming from a disputed seating arrangement, briefly halted proceedings and highlighted ongoing tensions between the two lawmakers.

The controversy began when Senator Akpoti discovered that her designated seat had been reassigned without prior notice—a move linked to recent defections of opposition senators to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Defending the decision, Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Monguno cited Senate rules granting the Senate President authority to reassign seats, arguing that the changes were necessary to reflect shifting party alignments. However, Akpoti refused to comply, insisting on keeping her original seat.

As tensions rose, Akpabio upheld Monguno’s position and denied Akpoti the floor unless she moved to her new seat. Unfazed, the Kogi Central senator defiantly declared, “I am not afraid of you,” addressing Akpabio directly. “Do whatever you deem fit, but I will not leave this seat. My voice will not be silenced.” She accused the Senate President of attempting to suppress her and, by extension, the constituents she represents.

Frustrated, Akpabio ordered the Sergeant-at-Arms to escort Akpoti out, but she remained steadfast. Fellow senators quickly intervened to calm the situation, and despite the directive, Akpoti continued to occupy her original seat.

The altercation drew mixed reactions. Akpoti accused Akpabio of persistently targeting her, stating, “I don’t want to speak publicly, but I will tell Nigerians how you’ve discriminated against and dehumanized me.” She argued that the seat reassignment was not a mere procedural issue but an attempt to sideline her as an elected representative. Her supporters praised her courage, viewing the clash as indicative of broader struggles over power dynamics and gender representation in Nigerian politics.

Conversely, Akpabio’s allies, including Senator Steve Karimi of Kogi West, criticized Akpoti’s actions as disruptive. Karimi, personally offended by her remarks, called for an apology, though Akpabio chose a conciliatory approach, opting for restraint and forgiveness instead of sanctions. Senator Isa Jibrin, another Kogi lawmaker, also apologized on behalf of the state’s caucus, asserting that the seat reassignment was purely procedural, not personal.

This is not the first confrontation between Akpoti and Akpabio. In July 2024, Akpabio faced backlash after comparing the Senate chamber to a “nightclub” while reprimanding Akpoti—a comment that sparked public outrage and led to his subsequent apology.