JUST IN: Laughter, Side-Eyes and Subtle Jabs as Akpabio, Natasha Share Same Birthday on Senate Floor

A mild drama unfolded on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s 63rd birthday coincided with the 47th birthday of his long-time critic and colleague, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central — sparking laughter, whispers, and a wave of political undertones inside the Red Chamber.

The scene began with the Senate’s traditional recognition of lawmakers marking their birthdays. Taking the microphone, Akpabio read out the names of senators being honoured…but started with his own.

After a dramatic pause, laced with a smirk, the Senate President added:
“—and another person, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.”

His tone instantly triggered amusement across the chamber, with senators exchanging knowing glances as laughter filled the hall. The light-hearted moment was underscored by an unmistakable tension: the two lawmakers have been locked in a fierce political and personal dispute for months.

Just last week, their long-running feud resurfaced online after Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that Akpabio had filed a staggering N200 billion lawsuit against her for alleged defamation over a sexual harassment claim she made earlier in the year.

In February 2025, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused the Senate President of inappropriate conduct — an allegation Akpabio denied. Weeks later, she was suspended for six months over what the Senate described as “misconduct and violation of standing rules,” following a row over seating arrangements that degenerated into disorderly behaviour during plenary.

The Senate leadership insisted the suspension had nothing to do with the allegation against Akpabio, but was rather a disciplinary action to protect the dignity of the chamber.

Since her return to the Senate on October 7, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has maintained a noticeably low profile — a stark contrast to her previously vocal and fiery contributions before the clash escalated into a legal and institutional confrontation.

Although Tuesday’s shared birthday moment drew laughter, political watchers noted that the exchange was anything but ordinary. Both lawmakers have avoided direct engagement in recent months, and the brief interaction — wrapped in humour — only highlighted the deep rifts simmering beneath the surface.

The Senate proceeded with its legislative business shortly after the exchange, but the moment has already become the day’s talking point within political circles, stirring fresh conversation about the strained relationship between the chamber’s presiding officer and one of its most outspoken female lawmakers.