In a dramatic escalation of Nigeria’s political tensions, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the 10th National Assembly, has publicly declared that the Nigerian Police should hold Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, and current Governor Usman Ododo responsible if any harm befalls her.
The bold statement followed a violent attack on her ancestral home in Obeiba-Ihima, Kogi State, by armed men on Tuesday night. The assailants, reportedly acting under the belief that the senator was present, launched a targeted assault on the property. They vandalized windows of her late grandfather’s house before being repelled by civil defence officers and vigilant community members.
“This was not a random act of violence,” a statement from her media team asserted. “It was a brazen and calculated assault, deeply linked to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent political confrontations—particularly her courageous stance against Senate President Akpabio.”
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, whose tenure in the Senate has been marked by unrelenting outspokenness, recently accused Akpabio of sexual harassment—an allegation that has since spiraled into a full-blown political standoff.
Recounting the harrowing incident, she told SaharaReporters, “Two days ago, my younger brother led contractors to inspect sites for developmental projects in Ihima. The attackers assumed I was around and struck that night. Thankfully, our civil defence team and brave community members swiftly intervened. No lives were lost, and a formal report has been lodged with the Area Command.”
Despite the trauma, she remained resolute, urging calm and reinforcing her commitment to justice. “I urge the public to remain calm and continue supporting the truth. My duty to represent and speak for the people must never be silenced by fear or force,” she stated.
The senator’s ongoing feud with the Senate leadership had previously resulted in her controversial six-month suspension—an action widely criticized by civil society groups and opposition voices. Matters took a darker turn on April 11, 2025, when her legal team responded to a petition from Akpabio accusing her of criminal defamation and incitement. Her legal defence maintained that her comments were born out of a legitimate fear for her safety.
Akpabio, in a petition dated April 3 and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, denied the senator’s damning accusations and demanded her prosecution. He described her claims as a “heinous lie” and a “reckless attempt” to sully his image and provoke political unrest.
Akpoti-Uduaghan had earlier accused Akpabio of instructing Yahaya Bello to orchestrate her assassination and stage it as an attack by political adversaries within her constituency. Akpabio, however, refuted the allegations, calling them baseless, politically motivated, and completely lacking in evidence.
The Senate President emphasized the damage caused by such allegations, citing their viral spread across mainstream and social media platforms. He urged law enforcement to investigate the matter thoroughly and act decisively.
This explosive political saga continues to unfold, revealing the deepening fault lines in Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber and the growing risks faced by politicians who dare to challenge the establishment.
As Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan stands her ground in the face of intimidation, the question remains: will justice prevail, or will the culture of silence and impunity reign supreme?
PIONEER NEWS 