Natasha and Akpabio’s Imbroglio: Catharsis Is Not Yet Over
By Abbati Bako
The intricate dance of politics has once again taken center stage in Nigeria’s Senate, as President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and Senator Natasha engage in a battle of wits. This spectacle raises questions about the true nature of their conflict: is it a genuine disagreement or a cleverly crafted strategy for the upcoming 2027 elections? Take note that politics is a game of strategy and again as opined by Professor Albana Azmanova that “politics is a game between vision and practicality” and this writing understands that this happen in both advanced and less advanced democracies like Nigeria.
In the world of politics, strategy is key, and both positive and negative tactics are employed to achieve success (Former US President Bill Clinton vs Monica Lewinsky’s case in the early 1990’s is an excellent example in America). This is true for both advanced and less advanced democracies. The situation unfolding between Akpabio and Natasha is a prime example of this complex game. Political strategy is one of the 57 key elements and principles of the game.
Recently, Akpabio found himself at the center of controversy after cautioning Senator Natasha to refrain from shouting, likening the Senate to a nightclub. This remark sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning Akpabio’s words as sexist and derogatory. In response to the backlash, Akpabio issued a public apology to Natasha. What a game of strategy! Hence, the case is still not yet over.
However, the question remains: was Akpabio’s initial comment a genuine mistake or a calculated move to garner attention and sympathy? As the 2027 elections approach, it is essential to examine the motivations behind the actions of Nigeria’s political leaders.
In the midst of this drama, one thing is clear: the fate of Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance. As the country navigates the complexities of its political landscape, it is crucial for citizens to remain vigilant and discerning. Only time will tell if Akpabio and Natasha’s imbroglio is a genuine conflict or a cleverly orchestrated political strategy towards the elections in the year 2027.
*Accusations and reactions
Akpabio vs Natasha:
The rift between the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), has escalated, with Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan accusing Akpabio of sexual harassment and political victimization.
*Allegations Against Akpabio:
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan claimed that Akpabio made unwelcome advances toward her and later obstructed her legislative work after she rejected him. Speaking in an interview with Arise Television, she alleged that the Senate President deliberately blocked her motions from being heard, particularly her motion to investigate corruption at the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi state.
She recounted an incident on December 8, 2023, when she and her husband attended Akpabio’s birthday celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. During a tour of Akpabio’s residence, she alleged he held her hand and made an unsettling remark: “Now that you’re a senator, I will create time for us to spend quality moments here. You will enjoy it.” Can this be a fact or is it a political shenanigans? Can this happen in front of her husband? Meaning that there’s many questions to ask.
Feeling uncomfortable, she pulled away as her husband approached. Later, she confided in her husband, who advised her against visiting the Senate President’s residence alone. Akpoti-Uduaghan further claimed that after rejecting Akpabio’s advances, she faced political obstruction, including deliberate delays in allowing her motions on the Senate floor. She alleged that Akpabio once told her: “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy. ”She dismissed the statement and left his office. Her motion was only eventually heard when the Deputy Senate President His Excellency Barau I. Jibrin presided in Akpabio’s absence.
*Dispute Over Senate Seating Arrangement:
Related issues on Natasha allegations: Atiku Abubakar the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate warned Senate leadership that “We’re not satisfied with only suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – Akpabio’s kinsmen
Natasha: “We are not in a Banana republic”.
The controversy intensified last week when Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan protested the reassignment of her Senate seat. Upon arriving at the chamber, she found her nameplate removed and her seat reassigned. Hence, the imbroglio started from there up till this week.
She viewed the move as an attempt to sideline her, asserting that it was part of a broader pattern of harassment against women in positions of power who refuse to comply with certain expectations.
She stated, “Some senators warned me that the seat reassignment was a trap. I invoked Order 10, which allows senators to raise concerns about violations of their rights. However, the Senate President refused to let me speak. ”The Senate later referred her case to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions for investigation, with the committee given two weeks to present its findings. Yesterday the Senate suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months. Despite the fact that initially the Federal High court has given an order for not take any action against Senator Natasha. Can this happen in advanced democracies? Yes it did happen as mentioned above between former president of the United States of America Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky in the early 1990s when the case dominated the political space all over the world.
*Midnight Phone Call Allegation
Akpoti-Uduaghan also claimed that on July 23, 2024, at 12:14 AM, she received a midnight phone call from Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, during which she overheard Akpabio’s voice in the background. According to her, Opeyemi told her: “If the Senate President goes down, I will go down too.”
She woke her husband and asked if this was a threat, stating that security agencies could extract their conversations if needed. She alleged that Akpabio later called her directly, referring to her as “Princess of the Senate” and expressing anger over public backlash against him. Can we call this as a politics of integrity?
*Akpabio’s Wife Responds
Meanwhile, Mrs. Ekaette Akpabio, wife of the Senate President, has dismissed the allegations as false and malicious. Speaking to journalists, she described her husband as a disciplined and respectful man, noting that he has a long history of supporting women’s inclusion in government.
She maintained that she was present on December 8, 2023, at the family residence in Uyo and insisted that no such incident occurred. “Our families have enjoyed a cordial relationship long before Senator Natasha’s marriage. These allegations are entirely false,” she said. Mrs. Akpabio vowed to seek legal redress over the matter, urging women to refrain from making baseless accusations.
To be continued insha’Allah
Dr. Abbati Bako, political strategy and communications consultant and alumni of Kent University, UK and Students’ mentor and Treasurer @Kano Chamber of Commerce and can be reached abbatibako@gmail.com
