Tensions Rise in Senate as Akpabio and Akpoti-Uduaghan Clash Over Seat Reallocation

Senate Erupts in Tension as Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan Clash Over Seat Reallocation

The Nigerian Senate was thrown into fresh controversy on Wednesday, February 20, as a heated exchange erupted between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), representing Kogi Central.

The dispute stemmed from the reassignment of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s seat, which escalated into a tense standoff during plenary.

As the session resumed, Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Ali Monguno pointed out that Akpoti-Uduaghan was not seated in her newly assigned position. Akpabio upheld Monguno’s observation, insisting that she must take the designated seat. However, the Kogi senator refused to comply, questioning why her seat had been relocated without her consent.

When she attempted to speak on the matter, Akpabio denied her recognition, stating that she must address the plenary from her assigned seat. In response, Akpoti-Uduaghan fired back, saying, “I don’t care if I am silenced. I am not afraid of you. You have denied me my privilege.”

The confrontation took another turn as Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of deliberately sidelining her. She alleged that since their last heated exchange, he had repeatedly denied her the opportunity to present bills for a second reading.

Her revelation further heightened tensions in the chamber, prompting Akpabio to order security operatives to remove her. However, after interventions from other lawmakers, she stood her ground and remained in the chamber.

Public Criticism of Akpabio’s Leadership

Reacting to the dramatic faceoff, public affairs analyst Hamma Hayatu strongly criticized Akpabio’s leadership style, accusing him of treating fellow senators as subordinates rather than equals.

“Natasha is a brave woman. Akpabio handles senators like his errand children or employees when, in reality, he is just a lead among equals. This incessant suspension of senators should be challenged in court. Why should a constituency be denied representation?” Hayatu argued.

In response, Akpabio reportedly dismissed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s stance, telling her she was speaking as though she were in a “nightclub.”

Akpabio and Wike’s Stand Against Kingibe

In a separate development, Akpabio also took a jab at Senator Ireti Kingibe while addressing the ongoing rift between her and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. The two have been at odds over the management of FCT affairs, with Wike vowing to unseat her in 2027.

Weighing in on the issue, Akpabio criticized Kingibe and advised Wike to ignore her during a flag-off ceremony at the Kugbo Bus Terminal in the FCT.